Identification of tumour-associated cell surface antigens for diagnosis and therapy

ABSTRACT

According to the invention, tumour-associated gene products and nucleic acids coding therefor were identified. The present invention relates to the therapy and diagnosis of diseases wherein said tumour-associated gene products are expressed aberrantly. The invention also relates to proteins, polypeptides and peptides which are expressed in a tumour-associated manner and the nucleic acids coding therefor.

This application is the National Stage of International Application No.PCT/EP2004/010697, filed on Sep. 23, 2004, which is incorporated hereinby reference.

Despite interdisciplinary approaches and exhaustive use of classicaltherapeutic procedures, cancers are still among the leading causes ofdeath. More recent therapeutic concepts aim at incorporating thepatient's immune system into the overall therapeutic concept by usingrecombinant tumor vaccines and other specific measures such as antibodytherapy. A prerequisite for the success of such a strategy is therecognition of tumor-specific or tumor-associated antigens or epitopesby the patient's immune system whose effector functions are to beinterventionally enhanced. Tumor cells biologically differ substantiallyfrom their nonmalignant cells of origin. These differences are due togenetic alterations acquired during tumor development and result, interalia, also in the formation of qualitatively or quantitatively alteredmolecular structures in the cancer cells. Tumor-associated structures ofthis kind which are recognized by the specific immune system of thetumor-harboring host are referred to as tumor-associated antigens. Thespecific recognition of tumor-associated antigens involves cellular andhumoral mechanisms which are two functionally interconnected units: CD4⁺and CD8⁺ T lymphocytes recognize the processed antigens presented on themolecules of the MHC (major histocompatibility complex) classes II andI, respectively, while B lymphocytes produce circulating antibodymolecules which bind directly to unprocessed antigens. The potentialclinical-therapeutical importance of tumor-associated antigens resultsfrom the fact that the recognition of antigens on neoplastic cells bythe immune system leads to the initiation of cytotoxic effectormechanisms and, in the presence of T helper cells, can cause eliminationof the cancer cells (Pardoll, Nat. Med. 4:525-31, 1998). Accordingly, acentral aim of tumor immunology is to molecularly define thesestructures. The molecular nature of these antigens has been enigmaticfor a long time. Only after development of appropriate cloningtechniques has it been possible to screen cDNA expression libraries oftumors systematically for tumor-associated antigens by analyzing thetarget structures of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) (van der Bruggen etal., Science 254:1643-7, 1991) or by using circulating autoantibodies(Sahin et al., Curr. Opin. Immunol. 9:709-16, 1997) as probes. To thisend, cDNA expression libraries were prepared from fresh tumor tissue andrecombinantly expressed as proteins in suitable systems. Immunoeffectorsisolated from patients, namely CTL clones with tumor-specific lysispatterns, or circulating autoantibodies were utilized for cloning therespective antigens.

In recent years a multiplicity of antigens have been defined in variousneoplasias by these approaches. The class of cancer/testis antigens(CTA) is of great interest here. CTA and genes encoding them(cancer/testis genes or CTG) are defined by their characteristicexpression pattern [Tureci et al, Mol Med. Today. 3:342-9, 1997]. Theyare not found in normal tissues, except testis and germ cells, but areexpressed in a number of human malignomas, not tumor type-specificallybut with different frequency in tumor entities of very different origins(Chen & Old, Cancer J. Sci. Am. 5:16-7, 1999). Serum reactivitiesagainst CTA are also not found in healthy controls but only in tumorpatients. This class of antigens, in particular owing to its tissuedistribution, is particularly valuable for immunotherapeutic projectsand is tested in current clinical patient studies (Marchand et al., Int.J. Cancer 80:219-30, 1999; Knuth et al., Cancer Chemother. Pharmacol.46:p 46-51, 2000).

However, the probes utilized for antigen identification in the classicalmethods illustrated above are immunoeffectors (circulatingautoantibodies or CTL clones) from patients usually having alreadyadvanced cancer. A number of data indicate that tumors can lead, forexample, to tolerization and anergization of T cells and that, duringthe course of the disease, especially those specificities which couldcause effective immune recognition are lost from the immunoeffectorrepertoire. Current patient studies have not yet produced any solidevidence of a real action of the previously found and utilizedtumor-associated antigens. Accordingly, it cannot be ruled out thatproteins evoking spontaneous immune responses are the wrong targetstructures.

It was the object of the present invention to provide target structuresfor a diagnosis and therapy of cancers.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by the subjectmatter of the claims.

According to the invention, a strategy for identifying and providingantigens expressed in association with a tumor and the nucleic acidscoding therefor was pursued. This strategy is based on the evaluation ofhuman protein and nucleic acid data bases with respect to potentialcancer-specific antigens which are accessible on the cell surface. Thedefinition of the filter criteria which are necessary for this togetherwith a high throughput methodology for analysing all proteins, ifpossible, form the central part of the invention. Data mining firstproduces a list which is as complete as possible of all known geneswhich according to the basic principle “gene to mRNA to protein” areexamined for the presence of one or more transmembrane domains. This isfollowed by a homology search, a classification of the hits in tissuespecific groups (among others tumor tissue) and an inspection of thereal existence of the mRNA. Finally, the proteins which are identifiedin this manner are evaluated for their aberrant activation in tumors,e.g. by expression analyses and protein chemical procedures.

Data mining is a known method of identifying tumor-associated genes. Inthe conventional strategies, however, transcriptoms of normal tissuelibraries are usually subtracted electronically from tumor tissuelibraries, with the assumption that the remaining genes aretumor-specific (Schmitt et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 27:4251-60, 1999;Vasmatzis et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 95:300-4, 1998; Scheurleet al., Cancer Res. 60:4037-43, 2000).

The concept of the invention, however, is based on utilizing data miningfor electronically extracting all genes coding for cancer specificantigens which are accessible on the cell surfaces and then evaluatingsaid genes for ectopic expression in tumors.

The invention thus relates in one aspect to a strategy for identifyinggenes differentially expressed in tumors. Said strategy combines datamining of public sequence libraries (“in silico”) with subsequentevaluating laboratory-experimental (“wet bench”) studies.

According to the invention, a combined strategy based on differentbioinformatic scripts enabled new genes coding for cancer specificantigens which are accessible on the cell surfaces to be identified.According to the invention, these tumor-associated genes and the geneticproducts encoded thereby were identified and provided independently ofan immunogenic action.

The tumor-associated antigens identified according to the invention havean amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleic acid which is selected fromthe group consisting of (a) a nucleic acid which comprises a nucleicacid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 5, 9,13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53, 57, 61, 65, 69, 73, 77, 81,85, 89, 93, 97, 101, 105, 109, 113, 117, 121, 125, 129, 133, 137, 141,145, 149, 153, 157, 161, 165, 169, 173, 175, 179, 183, 187, 191, 195,199, 203, 207, 211, 215, 219, 223, 227, 231, 235, 239, 243, 247, 251,255, 259, 263, 267, 269, 271, 273, 275, 277, 279, 309 of the sequencelisting, a part or derivative thereof, (b) a nucleic acid whichhybridizes with the nucleic acid of (a) under stringent conditions, (c)a nucleic acid which is degenerate with respect to the nucleic acid of(a) or (b), and (d) a nucleic acid which is complementary to the nucleicacid of (a), (b) or (c). In a preferred embodiment, a tumor-associatedantigen identified according to the invention has an amino acid sequenceencoded by a nucleic acid which is selected from the group consisting ofSEQ ID NOs: 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53, 57, 61,65, 69, 73, 77, 81, 85, 89, 93, 97, 101, 105, 109, 113, 117, 121, 125,129, 133, 137, 141, 145, 149, 153, 157, 161, 165, 169, 173, 175, 179,183, 187, 191, 195, 199, 203, 207, 211, 215, 219, 223, 227, 231, 235,239, 243, 247, 251, 255, 259, 263, 267, 269, 271, 273, 275, 277, 279,309 of the sequence listing. In a further preferred embodiment, atumor-associated antigen identified according to the invention comprisesan amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:2, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 70,74, 78, 82, 86, 90, 94, 98, 102, 106, 110, 114, 118, 122, 126, 130, 134,138, 142, 146, 150, 154, 158, 162, 166, 170, 174, 176, 180, 184, 188,192, 196, 200, 204, 208, 212, 216, 220, 224, 228, 232, 236, 240, 244,248, 252, 256, 260, 264, 268, 270, 272, 274, 276, 278, 280 to 308, 310of the sequence listing, a part or derivative thereof.

The present invention generally relates to the use of tumor-associatedantigens identified according to the invention or of parts thereof, ofnucleic acids coding therefor or of nucleic acids directed against saidcoding nucleic acids or of antibodies directed against thetumor-associated antigens identified according to the invention or partsthereof for therapy and diagnosis. This utilization may relate toindividual but also to combinations of two or more of these antigens,functional fragments, nucleic acids, antibodies, etc., in one embodimentalso in combination with other tumor-associated genes and antigens fordiagnosis, therapy and progress control.

The property of the tumor-associated antigens identified according tothe invention that they are localized on or at the cell surfacequalifies them as suitable targets or means for therapy and diagnosis.Especially suitable for this is a part of the tumor-associated antigensidentified according to the invention which corresponds to thenon-transmembrane portion, in particular the extracellular portion ofthe antigens, or is comprised thereof. Therefore, according to theinvention, a part of the tumor-associated antigens identified accordingto the invention which corresponds to the non-transmembrane portion ofthe antigens or is comprised thereof, or a corresponding part of thenucleic acids coding for the tumor-associated antigens identifiedaccording to the invention is preferred for therapy or diagnosis.Similarly, the use of antibodies is preferred which are directed againsta part of the tumor-associated antigens identified according to theinvention which corresponds to the non-transmembrane portion of theantigens or is comprised thereof.

Preferred diseases for a therapy and/or diagnosis are those in which oneor more of the tumor-associated antigens identified according to theinvention are selectively expressed or abnormally expressed.

The invention also relates to nucleic acids and genetic products whichare expressed in association with a tumor cell and which are produced byaltered splicing (splice variants) of genes or by altered translationwith utilization of alternative open reading frames. Said nucleic acidscomprise the sequences according to SEQ ID NOs: 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25,29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53, 57, 61, 65, 69, 73, 77, 81, 85, 89, 93, 97,101, 105, 109, 113, 117, 121, 125, 129, 133, 137, 141, 145, 149, 153,157, 161, 165, 169, 173, 175, 179, 183, 187, 191, 195, 199, 203, 207,211, 215, 219, 223, 227, 231, 235, 239, 243, 247, 251, 255, 259, 263,267, 269, 271, 273, 275, 277, 279, 309 of the sequence listing.Furthermore, the genetic products comprise all sequences according toSEQ ID NOs: 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58,62, 66, 70, 74, 78, 82, 86, 90, 94, 98, 102, 106, 110, 114, 118, 122,126, 130, 134, 138, 142, 146, 150, 154, 158, 162, 166, 170, 174, 176,180, 184, 188, 192, 196, 200, 204, 208, 212, 216, 220, 224, 228, 232,236, 240, 244, 248, 252, 256, 260, 264, 268, 270, 272, 274, 276, 278,280 to 308, 310 of the sequence listing. The splice variants of theinvention can be used according to the invention as targets fordiagnosis and therapy of tumor diseases.

Very different mechanisms may cause splice variants to be produced, forexample

-   -   utilization of variable transcription initiation sites    -   utilization of additional exons    -   complete or incomplete splicing out of single or two or more        exons,    -   splice regulator sequences altered via mutation (deletion or        generation of new donor/acceptor sequences),    -   incomplete elimination of intron sequences.

Altered splicing of a gene results in an altered transcript sequence(splice variant). Translation of a splice variant in the region of itsaltered sequence results in an altered protein which may be distinctlydifferent in the structure and function from the original protein.Tumor-associated splice variants may produce tumor-associatedtranscripts and tumor-associated proteins/antigens. These may beutilized as molecular markers both for detecting tumor cells and fortherapeutic targeting of tumors. Detection of tumor cells, for examplein blood, serum, bone marrow, sputum, bronchial lavage, bodilysecretions and tissue biopsies, may be carried out according to theinvention, for example, after extraction of nucleic acids by PCRamplification with splice variant-specific oligonucleotides. Accordingto the invention, all sequence-dependent detection systems are suitablefor detection. These are, apart from PCR, for example genechip/microarray systems, Northern blot, RNAse protection assays (RDA)and others. All detection systems have in common that detection is basedon a specific hybridization with at least one splice variant-specificnucleic acid sequence. However, tumor cells may also be detectedaccording to the invention by antibodies which recognize a specificepitope encoded by the splice variant. Said antibodies may be preparedby using for immunization peptides which are specific for said splicevariant. Suitable for immunization are particularly the amino acidswhose epitopes are distinctly different from the variant(s) of thegenetic product, which is (are) preferably produced in healthy cells.Detection of the tumor cells with antibodies may be carried out here ona sample isolated from the patient or as imaging with intravenouslyadministered antibodies.

In addition to diagnostic usability, splice variants having new oraltered epitopes are attractive targets for immunotherapy. The epitopesof the invention may be utilized for targeting therapeutically activemonoclonal antibodies or T lymphocytes. In passive immunotherapy,antibodies or T lymphocytes which recognize splice variant-specificepitopes are adoptively transferred here. As in the case of otherantigens, antibodies may be generated also by using standardtechnologies (immunization of animals, panning strategies for isolationof recombinant antibodies) with utilization of polypeptides whichinclude these epitopes. Alternatively, it is possible to utilize forimmunization nucleic acids coding for oligo- or polypeptides whichcontain said epitopes. Various techniques for in vitro or in vivogeneration of epitope-specific T lymphocytes are known and have beendescribed in detail (for example Kessler J H, et al. 2001, Sahin et al.,1997) and are likewise based on utilizing oligo- or polypeptides whichcontain the splice variant-specific epitopes or nucleic acids coding forsaid oligo- or polypeptides. Oligo- or polypeptides which contain thesplice variant-specific epitopes or nucleic acids coding for saidpolypeptides may also be used for utilization as pharmaceutically activesubstances in active immunotherapy (vaccination, vaccine therapy).

The aberrant expression of genes in tumor cells also can be due to analtered methylation pattern of their promoters (De Smet C et al., Mol.Cell. Biol. 24(11):4781-90, 2004; De Smet C et al., Mol. Cell. Biol.19(11):7327-35, 1999; De Smet C et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA.93(14):7149-53, 1996). These differences in methylation can be used asindirect markers for the condition of the respective gene changed in thetumor. Accordingly, the increase or decrease of base methylations withinthe promoter region can be used for diagnostic purposes.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising an agent which recognizes the tumor-associated antigenidentified according to the invention and which is preferably selectivefor cells which have expression or abnormal expression of atumor-associated antigen identified according to the invention. Inparticular embodiments, said agent may cause induction of cell death,reduction in cell growth, damage to the cell membrane or secretion ofcytokines and preferably have a tumor-inhibiting activity. In oneembodiment, the agent is an antisense nucleic acid which hybridizesselectively with the nucleic acid coding for the tumor-associatedantigen. In a further embodiment, the agent is an antibody which bindsselectively to the tumor-associated antigen, in particular acomplement-activated antibody which binds selectively to thetumor-associated antigen. In a further embodiment, the agent comprisestwo or more agents which each selectively recognize differenttumor-associated antigens, at least one of which is a tumor-associatedantigen identified according to the invention. Recognition needs not beaccompanied directly with inhibition of activity or expression of theantigen. In this aspect of the invention, the antigen selectivelylimited to tumors preferably serves as a label for recruiting effectormechanisms to this specific location. In a preferred embodiment, theagent is a cytotoxic T lymphocyte which recognizes the antigen on an HLAmolecule and lyses the cell labeled in this way. In a furtherembodiment, the agent is an antibody which binds selectively to thetumor-associated antigen and thus recruits natural or artificialeffector mechanisms to said cell. In a further embodiment, the agent isa T helper lymphocyte which enhances effector functions of other cellsspecifically recognizing said antigen.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising an agent which inhibits expression or activity of atumor-associated antigen identified according to the invention. In apreferred embodiment, the agent is an antisense nucleic acid whichhybridizes selectively with the nucleic acid coding for thetumor-associated antigen. In a further embodiment, the agent is anantibody which binds selectively to the tumor-associated antigen. In afurther embodiment, the agent comprises two or more agents which eachselectively inhibit expression or activity of different tumor-associatedantigens, at least one of which is a tumor-associated antigen identifiedaccording to the invention.

The activity of a tumor-associated antigen identified according to theinvention can be any activity of a protein or a peptide. Thus, thetherapeutic and diagnostic methods according to the invention can alsoaim at inhibiting or reducing this activity or testing this activity.

The invention furthermore relates to a pharmaceutical composition whichcomprises an agent which, when administered, selectively increases theamount of complexes between an HLA molecule and a peptide epitope fromthe tumor-associated antigen identified according to the invention. Inone embodiment, the agent comprises one or more components selected fromthe group consisting of (i) the tumor-associated antigen or a partthereof, (ii) a nucleic acid which codes for said tumor-associatedantigen or a part thereof, (iii) a host cell which expresses saidtumor-associated antigen or a part thereof, and (iv) isolated complexesbetween peptide epitopes from said tumor-associated antigen and an MHCmolecule. In one embodiment, the agent comprises two or more agentswhich each selectively increase the amount of complexes between MHCmolecules and peptide epitopes of different tumor-associated antigens,at least one of which is a tumor-associated antigen identified accordingto the invention.

The invention furthermore relates to a pharmaceutical composition whichcomprises one or more components selected from the group consisting of(i) a tumor-associated antigen identified according to the invention ora part thereof, (ii) a nucleic acid which codes for a tumor-associatedantigen identified according to the invention or for a part thereof,(iii) an antibody which binds to a tumor-associated antigen identifiedaccording to the invention or to a part thereof, (iv) an antisensenucleic acid which hybridizes specifically with a nucleic acid codingfor a tumor-associated antigen identified according to the invention,(v) a host cell which expresses a tumor-associated antigen identifiedaccording to the invention or a part thereof, and (vi) isolatedcomplexes between a tumor-associated antigen identified according to theinvention or a part thereof and an HLA molecule.

A nucleic acid coding for a tumor-associated antigen identifiedaccording to the invention or for a part thereof may be present in thepharmaceutical composition in an expression vector and functionallylinked to a promoter.

A host cell present in a pharmaceutical composition of the invention maysecrete the tumor-associated antigen or the part thereof, express it onthe surface or may additionally express an HLA molecule which binds tosaid tumor-associated antigen or said part thereof. In one embodiment,the host cell expresses the HLA molecule endogenously. In a furtherembodiment, the host cell expresses the HLA molecule and/or thetumor-associated antigen or the part thereof in a recombinant manner.The host cell is preferably nonproliferative. In a preferred embodiment,the host cell is an antigen-presenting cell, in particular a dendriticcell, a monocyte or a macrophage.

An antibody present in a pharmaceutical composition of the invention maybe a monoclonal antibody. In further embodiments, the antibody is achimeric or humanized antibody, a fragment of a natural antibody or asynthetic antibody, all of which may be produced by combinatorytechniques. The antibody may be coupled to a therapeutically ordiagnostically useful agent.

An antisense nucleic acid present in a pharmaceutical composition of theinvention may comprise a sequence of 6-50, in particular 10-30, 15-30and 20-30, contiguous nucleotides of the nucleic acid coding for thetumor-associated antigen identified according to the invention.

In further embodiments, a tumor-associated antigen, provided by apharmaceutical composition of the invention either directly or viaexpression of a nucleic acid, or a part thereof binds to MHC moleculeson the surface of cells, said binding preferably causing a cytolyticresponse and/or inducing cytokine release.

A pharmaceutical composition of the invention may comprise apharmaceutically compatible carrier and/or an adjuvant. The adjuvant maybe selected from saponin, GM-CSF, CpG oligonucleotides, RNA, a cytokineor a chemokine. A pharmaceutical composition of the invention ispreferably used for the treatment of a disease characterized byselective expression or abnormal expression of a tumor-associatedantigen. In a preferred embodiment, the disease is cancer.

The invention furthermore relates to methods of treating, diagnosing ormonitoring, i.e. determining the regression, progression and/or onsetof, a disease characterized by expression or abnormal expression of oneof more tumor-associated antigens.

In one embodiment, the methods of treatment according to the inventioncomprise administering a pharmaceutical composition of the invention.

The methods of diagnosing and/or methods of monitoring according to theinvention generally concern the use of means for the detection and/orthe determination and/or the monitoring of the quantity of (i) a nucleicacid, which codes for the tumor-associated antigen, or a part thereofand/or (ii) the tumor-associated antigen or a part thereof and/or (iii)an antibody against the tumor-associated antigen or a part thereofand/or (iv) cytotoxic or T helper lymphocytes, which are specific forthe tumor-associated antigen or a part thereof, in a biologic sampleisolated from a patient.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of diagnosing a diseasecharacterized by expression or abnormal expression of a tumor-associatedantigen identified according to the invention. The method comprises (i)detection of a nucleic acid which codes for the tumor-associated antigenor of a part thereof and/or (ii) detection of the tumor-associatedantigen or of a part thereof, and/or (iii) detection of an antibody tothe tumor-associated antigen or to a part thereof and/or (iv) detectionof cytotoxic or T helper lymphocytes which are specific for thetumor-associated antigen or for a part thereof in a biological sampleisolated from a patient. In particular embodiments, detection comprises(i) contacting the biological sample with an agent which bindsspecifically to the nucleic acid coding for the tumor-associated antigenor to the part thereof, to said tumor-associated antigen or said partthereof, to the antibody or to cytotoxic or T helper lymphocytesspecific for the tumor-associated antigen or parts thereof, and (ii)detecting the formation of a complex between the agent and the nucleicacid or the part thereof, the tumor-associated antigen or the partthereof, the antibody or the cytotoxic or T helper lymphocytes. In oneembodiment, the disease is characterized by expression or abnormalexpression of two or more different tumor-associated antigens anddetection comprises detection of two or more nucleic acids coding forsaid two or more different tumor-associated antigens or of partsthereof, detection of two or more different tumor-associated antigens orof parts thereof, detection of two or more antibodies binding to saidtwo or more different tumor-associated antigens or to parts thereof ordetection of two or more cytotoxic or T helper lymphocytes specific forsaid two or more different tumor-associated antigens. In a furtherembodiment, the biological sample isolated from the patient is comparedto a comparable normal biological sample.

The methods of diagnosing according to the invention may also utilizealtered methylation patterns of the promoter region of the respectivetumor-associated gene product. The detection of such methylationpatterns can be performed by using methods on the basis of PCR, with theaid of restriction enzymes or by sequencing. A test suitable for thiscan be as follows: (1) extraction of DNA from tissue samples ofpatients, for example using paraffin embedded material, (2) treatment ofthe DNA with bisulfite containing reagents (i.e. as described in ClarkS. J. et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 22(15):2990-7, 1994), (3) amplificationof DNA by means of PCR and (4) analysis by determining the amount ofsequence specific amplification products (e.g. by means of quantitativePCR, hybridization techniques such as microarray methods).

The methods of diagnosing according to the invention can concern alsothe use of the tumor-associated antigens identified according to theinvention as prognostic markers, in order to predict metastasis, e.g.through testing the migration behavior of cells, and therefore aworsened course of the disease, whereby among other things planning of amore aggressive therapy is made possible.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for determiningregression, course or onset of a disease characterized by expression orabnormal expression of a tumor-associated antigen identified accordingto the invention, which method comprises monitoring a sample from apatient who has said disease or is suspected of falling ill with saiddisease, with respect to one or more parameters selected from the groupconsisting of (i) the amount of nucleic acid which codes for thetumor-associated antigen or of a part thereof, (ii) the amount of thetumor-associated antigen or a part thereof, (iii) the amount ofantibodies which bind to the tumor-associated antigen or to a partthereof, and (iv) the amount of cytolytic T cells or T helper cellswhich are specific for a complex between the tumor-associated antigen ora part thereof and an MHC molecule. The method preferably comprisesdetermining the parameter(s) in a first sample at a first point in timeand in a further sample at a second point in time and in which thecourse of the disease is determined by comparing the two samples. Inparticular embodiments, the disease is characterized by expression orabnormal expression of two or more different tumor-associated antigensand monitoring comprises monitoring (i) the amount of two or morenucleic acids which code for said two or more different tumor-associatedantigens or of parts thereof, and/or (ii) the amount of said two or moredifferent tumor-associated antigens or of parts thereof, and/or (iii)the amount of two or more antibodies which bind to said two or moredifferent tumor-associated antigens or to parts thereof, and/or (iv) theamount of two or more cytolytic T cells or of T helper cells which arespecific for complexes between said two or more differenttumor-associated antigens or of parts thereof and MHC molecules.

According to the invention, detection of a nucleic acid or of a partthereof or determining or monitoring the amount of a nucleic acid or ofa part thereof may be carried out using a polynucleotide probe whichhybridizes specifically to said nucleic acid or said part thereof or maybe carried out by selective amplification of said nucleic acid or saidpart thereof. In one embodiment, the polynucleotide probe comprises asequence of 6-50, in particular 10-30, 15-30 and 20-30, contiguousnucleotides of said nucleic acid.

In certain embodiments of the methods of diagnosing of the invention,the promoter region or part thereof of a nucleic acid coding for atumor-associated antigen identified according to the invention and beingpresent in the form of genomic DNA is selectively amplified followingtreatment with a bisulfite containing reagent. The nucleic acid ispreferably isolated from a sample of a patient to be examined beforetreatment with the bisulfite containing reagent. The oligonucleotidesused in such amplification preferably have a sequence binding to thenucleic acid treated with a bisulfite containing reagent and preferablyare completely complementary thereto. Preferably, the oligonucleotidesare adapted to a different degree of methylation of the nucleic acid andbring about amplification products which can be differentiated.

According to the invention, detection of a tumor-associated antigen orof a part thereof or determining or monitoring the amount of atumor-associated antigen or of a part thereof may be carried out usingan antibody binding specifically to said tumor-associated antigen orsaid part thereof.

In certain embodiments, the tumor-associated antigen to be detected orthe part thereof is present in a complex with an MHC molecule, inparticular an HLA molecule.

According to the invention, detection of an antibody or determining ormonitoring the amount of antibodies may be carried out using a proteinor peptide binding specifically to said antibody.

According to the invention, detection of cytolytic T cells or of Thelper cells or determining or monitoring the amount of cytolytic Tcells or of T helper cells which are specific for complexes between anantigen or a part thereof and MHC molecules may be carried out using acell presenting the complex between said antigen or said part thereofand an MHC molecule.

The polynucleotide probe, the antibody, the protein or peptide or thecell, which is used for detection or determining or monitoring, ispreferably labeled in a detectable manner. In particular embodiments,the detectable marker is a radioactive marker or an enzymic marker. Tlymphocytes may additionally be detected by detecting theirproliferation, their cytokine production, and their cytotoxic activitytriggered by specific stimulation with the complex of MHC andtumor-associated antigen or parts thereof. T lymphocytes may also bedetected via a recombinant MHC molecule or else a complex of two or moreMHC molecules which are loaded with the particular immunogenic fragmentof one or more of the tumor-associated antigens and which can identifythe specific T lymphocytes by contacting the specific T cell receptor.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method of treating,diagnosing or monitoring a disease characterized by expression orabnormal expression of a tumor-associated antigen identified accordingto the invention, which method comprises administering an antibody whichbinds to said tumor-associated antigen or to a part thereof and which iscoupled to a therapeutic or diagnostic agent. The antibody may be amonoclonal antibody. In further embodiments, the antibody is a chimericor humanized antibody or a fragment of a natural antibody.

The invention also relates to a method of treating a patient having adisease characterized by expression or abnormal expression of atumor-associated antigen identified according to the invention, whichmethod comprises (i) removing a sample containing immunoreactive cellsfrom said patient, (ii) contacting said sample with a host cellexpressing said tumor-associated antigen or a part thereof, underconditions which favor production of cytolytic T cells against saidtumor-associated antigen or a part thereof, and (iii) introducing thecytolytic T cells into the patient in an amount suitable for lysingcells expressing the tumor-associated antigen or a part thereof. Theinvention likewise relates to cloning the T cell receptor of cytolytic Tcells against the tumor-associated antigen. Said receptor may betransferred to other T cells which thus receive the desired specificityand, as under (iii), may be introduced into the patient.

In one embodiment, the host cell endogenously expresses an HLA molecule.In a further embodiment, the host cell recombinantly expresses an HLAmolecule and/or the tumor-associated antigen or the part thereof. Thehost cell is preferably nonproliferative. In a preferred embodiment, thehost cell is an antigen-presenting cell, in particular a dendritic cell,a monocyte or a macrophage.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method of treating apatient having a disease characterized by expression or abnormalexpression of a tumor-associated antigen, which method comprises (i)identifying a nucleic acid which codes for a tumor-associated antigenidentified according to the invention and which is expressed by cellsassociated with said disease, (ii) transfecting a host cell with saidnucleic acid or a part thereof, (iii) culturing the transfected hostcell for expression of said nucleic acid (this is not obligatory when ahigh rate of transfection is obtained), and (iv) introducing the hostcells or an extract thereof into the patient in an amount suitable forincreasing the immune response to the patient's cells associated withthe disease. The method may further comprise identifying an MHC moleculepresenting the tumor-associated antigen or a part thereof, with the hostcell expressing the identified MHC molecule and presenting saidtumor-associated antigen or a part thereof. The immune response maycomprise a B cell response or a T cell response. Furthermore, a T cellresponse may comprise production of cytolytic T cells and/or T helpercells which are specific for the host cells presenting thetumor-associated antigen or a part thereof or specific for cells of thepatient which express said tumor-associated antigen or a part thereof.

The invention also relates to a method of treating a diseasecharacterized by expression or abnormal expression of a tumor-associatedantigen identified according to the invention, which method comprises(i) identifying cells from the patient which express abnormal amounts ofthe tumor-associated antigen, (ii) isolating a sample of said cells,(iii) culturing said cells, and (iv) introducing said cells into thepatient in an amount suitable for triggering an immune response to thecells.

Preferably, the host cells used according to the invention arenonproliferative or are rendered nonproliferative. A diseasecharacterized by expression or abnormal expression of a tumor-associatedantigen is in particular cancer.

The present invention furthermore relates to a nucleic acid selectedfrom the group consisting of (a) a nucleic acid which comprises anucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53, 57, 61, 65, 69, 73,77, 81, 85, 89, 93, 97, 101, 105, 109, 113, 117, 121, 125, 129, 133,137, 141, 145, 149, 153, 157, 161, 165, 169, 173, 175, 179, 183, 187,191, 195, 199, 203, 207, 211, 215, 219, 223, 227, 231, 235, 239, 243,247, 251, 255, 259, 263, 267, 269, 271, 273, 275, 277, 279, 309 of thesequence listing, a part or derivative thereof, (b) a nucleic acid whichhybridizes with the nucleic acid of (a) under stringent conditions, (c)a nucleic acid which is degenerate with respect to the nucleic acid of(a) or (b), and (d) a nucleic acid which is complementary to the nucleicacid of (a), (b) or (c). The invention furthermore relates to a nucleicacid, which codes for a protein or polypeptide comprising an amino acidsequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 6, 10, 14,18, 22, 26, 30, 34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 70, 74, 78, 82, 86,90, 94, 98, 102, 106, 110, 114, 118, 122, 126, 130, 134, 138, 142, 146,150, 154, 158, 162, 166, 170, 174, 176, 180, 184, 188, 192, 196, 200,204, 208, 212, 216, 220, 224, 228, 232, 236, 240, 244, 248, 252, 256,260, 264, 268, 270, 272, 274, 276, 278, 280 to 308, 310 of the sequencelisting, a part or derivative thereof.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to promoter sequences ofnucleic acids of the invention. These sequences may be functionallylinked to another gene, preferably in an expression vector, and thusensure selective expression of said gene in appropriate cells.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a recombinant nucleic acidmolecule, in particular DNA or RNA molecule, which comprises a nucleicacid of the invention.

The invention also relates to host cells which contain a nucleic acid ofthe invention or a recombinant nucleic acid molecule comprising anucleic acid of the invention.

The host cell may also comprise a nucleic acid coding for a HLAmolecule. In one embodiment, the host cell endogenously expresses theHLA molecule. In a further embodiment, the host cell recombinantlyexpresses the HLA molecule and/or the nucleic acid of the invention or apart thereof. Preferably, the host cell is nonproliferative. In apreferred embodiment, the host cell is an antigen-presenting cell, inparticular a dendritic cell, a monocyte or a macrophage.

In a further embodiment, the invention relates to oligonucleotides whichhybridize with a nucleic acid identified according to the invention andwhich may be used as genetic probes or as “antisense” molecules. Nucleicacid molecules in the form of oligonucleotide primers or competentsamples, which hybridize with a nucleic acid identified according to theinvention or parts thereof, may be used for finding nucleic acids whichare homologous to said nucleic acid identified according to theinvention. PCR amplification, Southern and Northern hybridization may beemployed for finding homologous nucleic acids. Hybridization may becarried out under low stringency, more preferably under mediumstringency and most preferably under high stringency conditions. Theterm “stringent conditions” according to the invention refers toconditions which allow specific hybridization between polynucleotides.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a protein or polypeptidewhich is encoded by a nucleic acid selected from the group consisting of(a) a nucleic acid which comprises a nucleic acid sequence selected fromthe group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37,41, 45, 49, 53, 57, 61, 65, 69, 73, 77, 81, 85, 89, 93, 97, 101, 105,109, 113, 117, 121, 125, 129, 133, 137, 141, 145, 149, 153, 157, 161,165, 169, 173, 175, 179, 183, 187, 191, 195, 199, 203, 207, 211, 215,219, 223, 227, 231, 235, 239, 243, 247, 251, 255, 259, 263, 267, 269,271, 273, 275, 277, 279, 309 of the sequence listing, a part orderivative thereof, (b) a nucleic acid which hybridizes with the nucleicacid of (a) under stringent conditions, (c) a nucleic acid which isdegenerate with respect to the nucleic acid of (a) or (b), and (d) anucleic acid which is complementary to the nucleic acid of (a), (b) or(c). In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a protein orpolypeptide which comprises an amino acid sequence selected from thegroup consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, 38,42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 70, 74, 78, 82, 86, 90, 94, 98, 102, 106,110, 114, 118, 122, 126, 130, 134, 138, 142, 146, 150, 154, 158, 162,166, 170, 174, 176, 180, 184, 188, 192, 196, 200, 204, 208, 212, 216,220, 224, 228, 232, 236, 240, 244, 248, 252, 256, 260, 264, 268, 270,272, 274, 276, 278, 280 to 308, 310 of the sequence listing, a part orderivative thereof.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to an immunogenic fragment ofa tumor-associated antigen identified according to the invention. Saidfragment preferably binds to a human HLA receptor or to a humanantibody. A fragment of the invention preferably comprises a sequence ofat least 6, in particular at least 8, at least 10, at least 12, at least15, at least 20, at least 30 or at least 50, amino acids.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to an agent which binds to atumor-associated antigen identified according to the invention or to apart thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the agent is an antibody. Infurther embodiments, the antibody is a chimeric, a humanized antibody oran antibody produced by combinatory techniques or is a fragment of anantibody. Furthermore, the invention relates to an antibody which bindsselectively to a complex of (i) a tumor-associated antigen identifiedaccording to the invention or a part thereof and (ii) an MHC molecule towhich said tumor-associated antigen identified according to theinvention or said part thereof binds, with said antibody not binding to(i) or (ii) alone. An antibody of the invention may be a monoclonalantibody. In further embodiments, the antibody is a chimeric orhumanized antibody or a fragment of a natural antibody.

The invention furthermore relates to a conjugate between an agent of theinvention which binds to a tumor-associated antigen identified accordingto the invention or to a part thereof or an antibody of the inventionand a therapeutic or diagnostic agent. In one embodiment, thetherapeutic or diagnostic agent is a toxin.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a kit for detectingexpression or abnormal expression of a tumor-associated antigenidentified according to the invention, which kit comprises agents fordetection (i) of the nucleic acid which codes for the tumor-associatedantigen or of a part thereof, (ii) of the tumor-associated antigen or ofa part thereof, (iii) of antibodies which bind to the tumor-associatedantigen or to a part thereof, and/or (iv) of T cells which are specificfor a complex between the tumor-associated antigen or a part thereof andan MHC molecule. In one embodiment, the agents for detection of thenucleic acid or the part thereof are nucleic acid molecules forselective amplification of said nucleic acid, which comprise, inparticular a sequence of 6-50, in particular 10-30, 15-30 and 20-30,contiguous nucleotides of said nucleic acid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, genes are described which are expressed intumor cells selectively or aberrantly and which are tumor-associatedantigens.

According to the invention, these genes or their derivatives arepreferred target structures for therapeutic approaches. Conceptionally,said therapeutic approaches may aim at inhibiting the activity of theselectively expressed tumor-associated genetic product. This is useful,if said aberrant respective selective expression is functionallyimportant in tumor pathogenecity and if its ligation is accompanied byselective damage of the corresponding cells. Other therapeutic conceptscontemplate tumor-associated antigens as labels which recruit effectormechanisms having cell-damaging potential selectively to tumor cells.Here, the function of the target molecule itself and its role in tumordevelopment are totally irrelevant.

“Derivative” of a nucleic acid means according to the invention thatsingle or multiple nucleotide substitutions, deletions and/or additionsare present in said nucleic acid. Furthermore, the term “derivative”also comprises chemical derivatization of a nucleic acid on a base, on asugar or on a phosphate of a nucleotide. The term “derivative” alsocomprises nucleic acids which contain nucleotides and nucleotide analogsnot occurring naturally.

According to the invention, a nucleic acid is preferablydeoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or ribonucleic acid (RNA). Nucleic acidscomprise according to the invention genomic DNA, cDNA, mRNA,recombinantly produced and chemically synthesized molecules. Accordingto the invention, a nucleic acid may be present as a single-stranded ordouble-stranded and linear or covalently circularly closed molecule.

The nucleic acids described according to the invention have preferablybeen isolated. The term “isolated nucleic acid” means according to theinvention that the nucleic acid was (i) amplified in vitro, for exampleby polymerase chain reaction (PCR), (ii) recombinantly produced bycloning, (iii) purified, for example by cleavage and gel-electrophoreticfractionation, or (iv) synthesized, for example by chemical synthesis.An isolated nucleic acid is a nucleic acid which is available formanipulation by recombinant DNA techniques.

A nucleic acid is “complementary” to another nucleic acid if the twosequences are capable of hybridizing and forming a stable duplex withone another, with hybridization preferably being carried out underconditions which allow specific hybridization between polynucleotides(stringent conditions). Stringent conditions are described, for example,in Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, J. Sambrook et al., Editors,2nd Edition, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory press, Cold Spring Harbor,N.Y., 1989 or Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, F. M. Ausubel etal., Editors, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York and refer, for example,to hybridization at 65° C. in hybridization buffer (3.5×SSC, 0.02%Ficoll, 0.02% polyvinylpyrrolidone, 0.02% bovine serum albumin, 2.5 mMNaH₂PO₄ (pH 7), 0.5% SDS, 2 mM EDTA). SSC is 0.15 M sodium chloride/0.15M sodium citrate, pH 7. After hybridization, the membrane to which theDNA has been transferred is washed, for example, in 2×SSC at roomtemperature and then in 0.1-0.5×SSC/0.1×SDS at temperatures of up to 68°C.

According to the invention, complementary nucleic acids have at least40%, in particular at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least80%, at least 90% and preferably at least 95%, at least 98% or at least99%, identical nucleotides.

Nucleic acids coding for tumor-associated antigens may, according to theinvention, be present alone or in combination with other nucleic acids,in particular heterologous nucleic acids. In preferred embodiments, anucleic acid is functionally linked to expression control sequences orregulatory sequences which may be homologous or heterologous withrespect to said nucleic acid. A coding sequence and a regulatorysequence are “functionally” linked to one another, if they arecovalently linked to one another in such a way that expression ortranscription of said coding sequence is under the control or under theinfluence of said regulatory sequence. If the coding sequence is to betranslated into a functional protein, then, with a regulatory sequencefunctionally linked to said coding sequence, induction of saidregulatory sequence results in transcription of said coding sequence,without causing a frame shift in the coding sequence or said codingsequence not being capable of being translated into the desired proteinor peptide.

The term “expression control sequence” or “regulatory sequence”comprises according to the invention promoters, enhancers and othercontrol elements which regulate expression of a gene. In particularembodiments of the invention, the expression control sequences can beregulated. The exact structure of regulatory sequences may vary as afunction of the species or cell type, but generally comprises5′untranscribed and 5′untranslated sequences which are involved ininitiation of transcription and translation, respectively, such as TATAbox, capping sequence, CAAT sequence, and the like. More specifically,5′untranscribed regulatory sequences comprise a promoter region whichincludes a promoter sequence for transcriptional control of thefunctionally linked gene. Regulatory sequences may also compriseenhancer sequences or upstream activator sequences.

Thus, on the one hand, the tumor-associated antigens illustrated hereinmay be combined with any expression control sequences and promoters. Onthe other hand, however, the promoters of the tumor-associated geneticproducts illustrated herein may, according to the invention, be combinedwith any other genes. This allows the selective activity of thesepromoters to be utilized.

According to the invention, a nucleic acid may furthermore be present incombination with another nucleic acid which codes for a polypeptidecontrolling secretion of the protein or polypeptide encoded by saidnucleic acid from a host cell. According to the invention, a nucleicacid may also be present in combination with another nucleic acid whichcodes for a polypeptide causing the encoded protein or polypeptide to beanchored on the cell membrane of the host cell or compartmentalized intoparticular organelles of said cell.

In a preferred embodiment, a recombinant DNA molecule is according tothe invention a vector, where appropriate with a promoter, whichcontrols expression of a nucleic acid, for example a nucleic acid codingfor a tumor-associated antigen of the invention. The term “vector” isused here in its most general meaning and comprises any intermediaryvehicle for a nucleic acid which enables said nucleic acid, for example,to be introduced into prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic cells and, whereappropriate, to be integrated into a genome. Vectors of this kind arepreferably replicated and/or expressed in the cells. An intermediaryvehicle may be adapted, for example, to the use in electroporation, inbombardment with microprojectiles, in liposomal administration, in thetransfer with the aid of agrobacteria or in insertion via DNA or RNAviruses. Vectors comprise plasmids, phagemids, bacteriophages or viralgenomes.

The nucleic acids coding for a tumor-associated antigen identifiedaccording to the invention may be used for transfection of host cells.Nucleic acids here mean both recombinant DNA and RNA. Recombinant RNAmay be prepared by in-vitro transcription of a DNA template.Furthermore, it may be modified by stabilizing sequences, capping andpolyadenylation prior to application. According to the invention, theterm “host cell” relates to any cell which can be transformed ortransfected with an exogenous nucleic acid. The term “host cells”comprises according to the invention prokaryotic (e.g. E. coli) oreukaryotic cells (e.g. dendritic cells, B cells, CHO cells, COS cells,K562 cells, yeast cells and insect cells). Particular preference isgiven to mammalian cells such as cells from humans, mice, hamsters,pigs, goats, primates. The cells may be derived from a multiplicity oftissue types and comprise primary cells and cell lines. Specificexamples comprise keratinocytes, peripheral blood leukocytes, stem cellsof the bone marrow and embryonic stem cells. In further embodiments, thehost cell is an antigen-presenting cell, in particular a dendritic cell,monocyte or a macrophage. A nucleic acid may be present in the host cellin the form of a single copy or of two or more copies and, in oneembodiment, is expressed in the host cell.

According to the invention, the term “expression” is used in its mostgeneral meaning and comprises the production of RNA or of RNA andprotein. It also comprises partial expression of nucleic acids.Furthermore, expression may be carried out transiently or stably.Preferred expression systems in mammalian cells comprise pcDNA3.1 andpRc/CMV (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.), which contain a selective markersuch as a gene imparting resistance to G418 (and thus enabling stablytransfected cell lines to be selected) and the enhancer-promotersequences of cytomegalovirus (CMV).

In those cases of the invention in which an HLA molecule presents atumor-associated antigen or a part thereof, an expression vector mayalso comprise a nucleic acid sequence coding for said HLA molecule. Thenucleic acid sequence coding for the HLA molecule may be present on thesame expression vector as the nucleic acid coding for thetumor-associated antigen or the part thereof, or both nucleic acids maybe present on different expression vectors. In the latter case, the twoexpression vectors may be cotransfected into a cell. If a host cellexpresses neither the tumor-associated antigen or the part thereof northe HLA molecule, both nucleic acids coding therefor are transfectedinto the cell either on the same expression vector or on differentexpression vectors. If the cell already expresses the HLA molecule, onlythe nucleic acid sequence coding for the tumor-associated antigen or thepart thereof can be transfected into the cell.

The invention also comprises kits for amplification of a nucleic acidcoding for a tumor-associated antigen. Such kits comprise, for example,a pair of amplification primers which hybridize to the nucleic acidcoding for the tumor-associated antigen. The primers preferably comprisea sequence of 6-50, in particular 10-30, 15-30 and 20-30 contiguousnucleotides of the nucleic acid and are nonoverlapping, in order toavoid the formation of primer dimers. One of the primers will hybridizeto one strand of the nucleic acid coding for the tumor-associatedantigen, and the other primer will hybridize to the complementary strandin an arrangement which allows amplification of the nucleic acid codingfor the tumor-associated antigen.

“Antisense” molecules or “antisense” nucleic acids may be used forregulating, in particular reducing, expression of a nucleic acid. Theterm “antisense molecule” or “antisense nucleic acid” refers accordingto the invention to an oligonucleotide which is an oligoribonucleotide,oligodeoxyribonucleotide, modified oligoribonucleotide or modifiedoligodeoxyribonucleotide and which hybridizes under physiologicalconditions to DNA comprising a particular gene or to mRNA of said gene,thereby inhibiting transcription of said gene and/or translation of saidmRNA. According to the invention, the “antisense molecule” alsocomprises a construct which contains a nucleic acid or a part thereof inreverse orientation with respect to its natural promoter. An antisensetranscript of a nucleic acid or of a part thereof may form a duplex withthe naturally occurring mRNA specifying the enzyme and thus preventaccumulation of or translation of the mRNA into the active enzyme.Another possibility is the use of ribozymes for inactivating a nucleicacid. Antisense oligonucleotides preferred according to the inventionhave a sequence of 6-50, in particular 10-30, 15-30 and 20-30,contiguous nucleotides of the target nucleic acid and preferably arefully complementary to the target nucleic acid or to a part thereof.

In preferred embodiments, the antisense oligonucleotide hybridizes withan N-terminal or 5′ upstream site such as a translation initiation site,transcription initiation site or promoter site. In further embodiments,the antisense oligonucleotide hybridizes with a 3′untranslated region ormRNA splicing site.

In one embodiment, an oligonucleotide of the invention consists ofribonucleotides, deoxyribonucleotides or a combination thereof, with the5′ end of one nucleotide and the 3′ end of another nucleotide beinglinked to one another by a phosphodiester bond. These oligonucleotidesmay be synthesized in the conventional manner or produced recombinantly.

In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide of the invention is a“modified” oligonucleotide. Here, the oligonucleotide may be modified invery different ways, without impairing its ability to bind its target,in order to increase, for example, its stability or therapeuticefficacy. According to the invention, the term “modifiedoligonucleotide” means an oligonucleotide in which (i) at least two ofits nucleotides are linked to one another by a synthetic internucleosidebond (i.e. an internucleoside bond which is not a phosphodiester bond)and/or (ii) a chemical group which is usually not found in nucleic acidsis covalently linked to the oligonucleotide. Preferred syntheticinternucleoside bonds are phosphorothioates, alkyl phosphonates,phosphorodithioates, phosphate esters, alkyl phosphonothioates,phosphoramidates, carbamates, carbonates, phosphate triesters,acetamidates, carboxymethyl esters and peptides.

The term “modified oligonucleotide” also comprises oligonucleotideshaving a covalently modified base and/or sugar. “Modifiedoligonucleotides” comprise, for example, oligonucleotides with sugarresidues which are covalently bound to low molecular weight organicgroups other than a hydroxyl group at the 3′ position and a phosphategroup at the 5′ position. Modified oligonucleotides may comprise, forexample, a 2′-O-alkylated ribose residue or another sugar instead ofribose, such as arabinose.

Preferably, the proteins and polypeptides described according to theinvention have been isolated. The terms “isolated protein” or “isolatedpolypeptide” mean that the protein or polypeptide has been separatedfrom its natural environment. An isolated protein or polypeptide may bein an essentially purified state. The term “essentially purified” meansthat the protein or polypeptide is essentially free of other substanceswith which it is associated in nature or in vivo.

Such proteins and polypeptides may be used, for example, in producingantibodies and in an immunological or diagnostic assay or astherapeutics. Proteins and polypeptides described according to theinvention may be isolated from biological samples such as tissue or cellhomogenates and may also be expressed recombinantly in a multiplicity ofpro- or eukaryotic expression systems.

For the purposes of the present invention, “derivatives” of a protein orpolypeptide or of an amino acid sequence comprise amino acid insertionvariants, amino acid deletion variants and/or amino acid substitutionvariants.

Amino acid insertion variants comprise amino- and/or carboxy-terminalfusions and also insertions of single or two or more amino acids in aparticular amino acid sequence. In the case of amino acid sequencevariants having an insertion, one or more amino acid residues areinserted into a particular site in an amino acid sequence, althoughrandom insertion with appropriate screening of the resulting product isalso possible. Amino acid deletion variants are characterized by theremoval of one or more amino acids from the sequence. Amino acidsubstitution variants are characterized by at least one residue in thesequence being removed and another residue being inserted in its place.Preference is given to the modifications being in positions in the aminoacid sequence which are not conserved between homologous proteins orpolypeptides. Preference is given to replacing amino acids with otherones having similar properties such as hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity,electronegativity, volume of the side chain and the like (conservativesubstitution). Conservative substitutions, for example, relate to theexchange of one amino acid with another amino acid listed below in thesame group as the amino acid to be substituted:

-   1. small aliphatic, nonpolar or slightly polar residues: Ala, Ser,    Thr (Pro, Gly)-   2. negatively charged residues and their amides: Asn, Asp, Glu, Gln-   3. positively charged residues: His, Arg, Lys-   4. large aliphatic, nonpolar residues: Met, Leu, Ile, Val (Cys)-   5. large aromatic residues: Phe, Tyr, Trp.

Owing to their particular part in protein architecture, three residuesare shown in brackets. Gly is the only residue without a side chain andthus imparts flexibility to the chain. Pro has an unusual geometry whichgreatly restricts the chain. Cys can form a disulfide bridge.

The amino acid variants described above may be readily prepared with theaid of known peptide synthesis techniques such as, for example, by solidphase synthesis (Merrifield, 1964) and similar methods or by recombinantDNA manipulation. Techniques for introducing substitution mutations atpredetermined sites into DNA which has a known or partially knownsequence are well known and comprise M13 mutagenesis, for example. Themanipulation of DNA sequences for preparing proteins havingsubstitutions, insertions or deletions, is described in detail inSambrook et al. (1989), for example.

According to the invention, “derivatives” of proteins or polypeptidesalso comprise single or multiple substitutions, deletions and/oradditions of any molecules associated with the enzyme, such ascarbohydrates, lipids and/or proteins or polypeptides. The term“derivative” also extends to all functional chemical equivalents of saidproteins or polypeptides.

According to the invention, a part or fragment of a tumor-associatedantigen has a functional property of the polypeptide from which it hasbeen derived. Such functional properties comprise the interaction withantibodies, the interaction with other polypeptides or proteins, theselective binding of nucleic acids and an enzymatic activity. Aparticular property is the ability to form a complex with HLA and, whereappropriate, generate an immune response. This immune response may bebased on stimulating cytotoxic or T helper cells. A part or fragment ofa tumor-associated antigen of the invention preferably comprises asequence of at least 6, in particular at least 8, at least 10, at least12, at least 15, at least 20, at least 30 or at least 50, consecutiveamino acids of the tumor-associated antigen. A part or fragment of atumor-associated antigen is preferably a part of the tumor-associatedantigen which corresponds to the non-membrane portion, in particular theextracellular portion of the antigen or is comprised thereof.

A part or a fragment of a nucleic acid coding for a tumor-associatedantigen relates according to the invention to the part of the nucleicacid, which codes at least for the tumor-associated antigen and/or for apart or a fragment of said tumor-associated antigen, as defined above.Preferably, a part or fragment of a nucleic acid coding for atumor-associated antigen is that part which corresponds to the openreading frame, in particular as indicated in the sequence listing.

The isolation and identification of genes coding for tumor-associatedantigens also make possible the diagnosis of a disease characterized byexpression of one or more tumor-associated antigens. These methodscomprise determining one or more nucleic acids which code for atumor-associated antigen and/or determining the encoded tumor-associatedantigens and/or peptides derived therefrom. The nucleic acids may bedetermined in the conventional manner, including by polymerase chainreaction or hybridization with a labeled probe. Tumor-associatedantigens or peptides derived therefrom may be determined by screeningpatient antisera with respect to recognizing the antigen and/or thepeptides. They may also be determined by screening T cells of thepatient for specificities for the corresponding tumor-associatedantigen.

The present invention also enables proteins binding to tumor-associatedantigens described herein to be isolated, including antibodies andcellular binding partners of said tumor-associated antigens.

According to the invention, particular embodiments ought to involveproviding “dominant negative” polypeptides derived from tumor-associatedantigens. A dominant negative polypeptide is an inactive protein variantwhich, by way of interacting with the cellular machinery, displaces anactive protein from its interaction with the cellular machinery or whichcompetes with the active protein, thereby reducing the effect of saidactive protein. For example, a dominant negative receptor which binds toa ligand but does not generate any signal as response to binding to theligand can reduce the biological effect of said ligand. Similarly, adominant negative catalytically inactive kinase which usually interactswith target proteins but does not phosphorylate said target proteins mayreduce phosphorylation of said target proteins as response to a cellularsignal. Similarly, a dominant negative transcription factor which bindsto a promoter site in the control region of a gene but does not increasetranscription of said gene may reduce the effect of a normaltranscription factor by occupying promoter binding sites, withoutincreasing transcription.

The result of expression of a dominant negative polypeptide in a cell isa reduction in the function of active proteins. The skilled worker mayprepare dominant negative variants of a protein, for example, byconventional mutagenesis methods and by evaluating the dominant negativeeffect of the variant polypeptide.

The invention also comprises substances such as polypeptides which bindto tumor-associated antigens. Such binding substances may be used, forexample, in screening assays for detecting tumor-associated antigens andcomplexes of tumor-associated antigens with their binding partners andin a purification of said tumor-associated antigens and of complexesthereof with their binding partners. Such substances may also be usedfor inhibiting the activity of tumor-associated antigens, for example bybinding to such antigens.

The invention therefore comprises binding substances such as, forexample, antibodies or antibody fragments, which are capable ofselectively binding to tumor-associated antigens. Antibodies comprisepolyclonal and monoclonal antibodies which are produced in theconventional manner.

It is known that only a small part of an antibody molecule, theparatope, is involved in binding of the antibody to its epitope (cf.Clark, W. R. (1986), The Experimental Foundations of Modern Immunology,Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York; Roitt, I. (1991), Essential Immunology,7th Edition, Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford). The pFc′ and Fcregions are, for example, effectors of the complement cascade but arenot involved in antigen binding. An antibody from which the pFc′ regionhas been enzymatically removed or which has been produced without thepFc′ region, referred to as F(ab′)₂ fragment, carries both antigenbinding sites of a complete antibody. Similarly, an antibody from whichthe Fc region has been enzymatically removed or which has been producedwithout said Fc region, referred to Fab fragment, carries one antigenbinding site of an intact antibody molecule. Furthermore, Fab fragmentsconsist of a covalently bound light chain of an antibody and part of theheavy chain of said antibody, referred to as Fd. The Fd fragments arethe main determinants of antibody specificity (a single Fd fragment canbe associated with up to ten different light chains, without alteringthe specificity of the antibody) and Fd fragments, when isolated, retainthe ability to bind to an epitope.

Located within the antigen-binding part of an antibody arecomplementary-determining regions (CDRs) which interact directly withthe antigen epitope and framework regions (FRs) which maintain thetertiary structure of the paratope. Both the Fd fragment of the heavychain and the light chain of IgG immunoglobulins contain four frameworkregions (FR1 to FR4) which are separated in each case by threecomplementary-determining regions (CDR1 to CDR3). The CDRs and, inparticular, the CDR3 regions and, still more particularly, the CDR3region of the heavy chain are responsible to a large extent for antibodyspecificity.

Non-CDR regions of a mammalian antibody are known to be able to bereplaced by similar regions of antibodies with the same or a differentspecificity, with the specificity for the epitope of the originalantibody being retained. This made possible the development of“humanized” antibodies in which nonhuman CDRs are covalently linked tohuman FR and/or Fc/pFc′ regions to produce a functional antibody.

WO 92/04381 for example, describes production and use of humanizedmurine RSV antibodies in which at least part of the murine FR regionshave been replaced with FR regions of a human origin. Antibodies of thiskind, including fragments of intact antibodies with antigen-bindingcapability, are often referred to as “chimeric” antibodies.

The invention also provides F(ab′)₂, Fab, Fv, and Fd fragments ofantibodies, chimeric antibodies, in which the Fc and/or FR and/or CDR1and/or CDR2 and/or light chain-CDR3 regions have been replaced withhomologous human or nonhuman sequences, chimeric F(ab′)₂-fragmentantibodies in which the FR and/or CDR1 and/or CDR2 and/or lightchain-CDR3 regions have been replaced with homologous human or nonhumansequences, chimeric Fab-fragment antibodies in which the FR and/or CDR1and/or CDR2 and/or light chain-CDR3 regions have been replaced withhomologous human or nonhuman sequences, and chimeric Fd-fragmentantibodies in which the FR and/or CDR1 and/or CDR2 regions have beenreplaced with homologous human or nonhuman sequences. The invention alsocomprises “single-chain” antibodies.

Preferably, an antibody used according to the invention is directedagainst one of the sequences according to SEQ ID NOs: 2, 6, 10, 14, 18,22, 26, 30, 34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 70, 74, 78, 82, 86, 90,94, 98, 102, 106, 110, 114, 118, 122, 126, 130, 134, 138, 142, 146, 150,154, 158, 162, 166, 170, 174, 176, 180, 184, 188, 192, 196, 200, 204,208, 212, 216, 220, 224, 228, 232, 236, 240, 244, 248, 252, 256, 260,264, 268, 270, 272, 274, 276, 278, 280 to 308, 310 of the sequencelisting, a part or derivative thereof, in particular a sequenceaccording to SEQ ID Nos: 281 to 308 of the sequence listing and/or maybe obtained by immunization using these peptides.

The invention also comprises polypeptides which bind specifically totumor-associated antigens. Polypeptide binding substances of this kindmay be provided, for example, by degenerate peptide libraries which maybe prepared simply in solution in an immobilized form or asphage-display libraries. It is likewise possible to preparecombinatorial libraries of peptides with one or more amino acids.Libraries of peptoids and nonpeptidic synthetic residues may also beprepared.

Phage display may be particularly effective in identifying bindingpeptides of the invention. In this connection, for example, a phagelibrary is prepared (using, for example, the M13, fd or lambda phages)which presents inserts of from 4 to about 80 amino acid residues inlength. Phages are then selected which carry inserts which bind to thetumor-associated antigen. This process may be repeated via two or morecycles of a reselection of phages binding to the tumor-associatedantigen. Repeated rounds result in a concentration of phages carryingparticular sequences. An analysis of DNA sequences may be carried out inorder to identify the sequences of the expressed polypeptides. Thesmallest linear portion of the sequence binding to the tumor-associatedantigen may be determined. The “two-hybrid system” of yeast may also beused for identifying polypeptides which bind to a tumor-associatedantigen. Tumor-associated antigens described according to the inventionor fragments thereof may be used for screening peptide libraries,including phage-display libraries, in order to identify and selectpeptide binding partners of the tumor-associated antigens. Suchmolecules may be used, for example, for screening assays, purificationprotocols, for interference with the function of the tumor-associatedantigen and for other purposes known to the skilled worker.

The antibodies described above and other binding molecules may be used,for example, for identifying tissue which expresses a tumor-associatedantigen. Antibodies may also be coupled to specific diagnosticsubstances for displaying cells and tissues expressing tumor-associatedantigens. They may also be coupled to therapeutically useful substances.Diagnostic substances comprise, in a nonlimiting manner, barium sulfate,iocetamic acid, iopanoic acid, calcium ipodate, sodium diatrizoate,meglumine diatrizoate, metrizamide, sodium tyropanoate and radiodiagnostic, including positron emitters such as fluorine-18 andcarbon-11, gamma emitters such as iodine-123, technetium-99m, iodine-131and indium-111, nuclides for nuclear magnetic resonance, such asfluorine and gadolinium. According to the invention, the term“therapeutically useful substance” means any therapeutic molecule which,as desired, is selectively guided to a cell which expresses one or moretumor-associated antigens, including anticancer agents, radioactiveiodine-labeled compounds, toxins, cytostatic or cytolytic drugs, etc.Anticancer agents comprise, for example, aminoglutethimide,azathioprine, bleomycin sulfate, busulfan, carmustine, chlorambucil,cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, cytarabidine, dacarbazine,dactinomycin, daunorubin, doxorubicin, taxol, etoposide, fluorouracil,interferon-α, lomustine, mercaptopurine, methotrexate, mitotane,procarbazine HCl, thioguanine, vinblastine sulfate and vincristinesulfate. Other anticancer agents are described, for example, in Goodmanand Gilman, “The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics”, 8th Edition,1990, McGraw-Hill, Inc., in particular Chapter 52 (Antineoplastic Agents(Paul Calabresi and Bruce A. Chabner). Toxins may be proteins such aspokeweed antiviral protein, cholera toxin, pertussis toxin, ricin,gelonin, abrin, diphtheria exotoxin or Pseudomonas exotoxin. Toxinresidues may also be high energy-emitting radionuclides such ascobalt-60.

The term “patient” means according to the invention a human being, anonhuman primate or another animal, in particular a mammal such as acow, horse, pig, sheep, goat, dog, cat or a rodent such as a mouse andrat. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the patient is a humanbeing.

According to the invention, the term “disease” refers to anypathological state in which tumor-associated antigens are expressed orabnormally expressed. “Abnormal expression” means according to theinvention that expression is altered, preferably increased, compared tothe state in a healthy individual. An increase in expression refers toan increase by at least 10%, in particular at least 20%, at least 50% orat least 100%. In one embodiment, the tumor-associated antigen isexpressed only in tissue of a diseased individual, while expression in ahealthy individual is repressed. One example of such a disease iscancer, in particular seminomas, melanomas, teratomas, gliomas, coloncancer, rectal cancer, kidney cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer,cancer of the uterus, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, cancer of theesophagus, blood cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, skin cancer,brain cancer and lung cancer, lymphomas, and neuroblastomas. Examplesfor this are lung tumor, breast tumor, prostate tumor, colon tumor,renal cell carcinoma, cervical carcinoma, colon carcinoma and mammacarcinoma or metastases of the above cancer types or tumors.

According to the invention, a biological sample may be a tissue sampleand/or a cellular sample and may be obtained in the conventional mannersuch as by tissue biopsy, including punch biopsy, and by taking blood,bronchial aspirate, urine, feces or other body fluids, for use in thevarious methods described herein.

According to the invention, the term “immunoreactive cell” means a cellwhich can mature into an immune cell (such as B cell, T helper cell, orcytolytic T cell) with suitable stimulation. Immunoreactive cellscomprise CD34⁺ hematopoietic stem cells, immature and mature T cells andimmature and mature B cells. If production of cytolytic or T helpercells recognizing a tumor-associated antigen is desired, theimmunoreactive cell is contacted with a cell expressing atumor-associated antigen under conditions which favor production,differentiation and/or selection of cytolytic T cells and of T helpercells. The differentiation of T cell precursors into a cytolytic T cell,when exposed to an antigen, is similar to clonal selection of the immunesystem.

Some therapeutic methods are based on a reaction of the immune system ofa patient, which results in a lysis of antigen-presenting cells such ascancer cells which present one or more tumor-associated antigens. Inthis connection, for example autologous cytotoxic T lymphocytes specificfor a complex of a tumor-associated antigen and an MHC molecule areadministered to a patient having a cellular abnormality. The productionof such cytotoxic T lymphocytes in vitro is known. An example of amethod of differentiating T cells can be found in WO-A-96/33265.Generally, a sample containing cells such as blood cells is taken fromthe patient and the cells are contacted with a cell which presents thecomplex and which can cause propagation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (e.g.dendritic cells). The target cell may be a transfected cell such as aCOS cell. These transfected cells present the desired complex on theirsurface and, when contacted with cytotoxic T lymphocytes, stimulatepropagation of the latter. The clonally expanded autologous cytotoxic Tlymphocytes are then administered to the patient.

In another method of selecting antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes,fluorogenic tetramers of MHC class I molecule/peptide complexes are usedfor detecting specific clones of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (Altman et al.,Science 274:94-96, 1996; Dunbar et al., Curr. Biol. 8:413-416, 1998).Soluble MHC class I molecules are folded in vitro in the presence of β₂microglobulin and a peptide antigen binding to said class I molecule.The MHC/peptide complexes are purified and then labeled with biotin.Tetramers are formed by mixing the biotinylated peptide-MHC complexeswith labeled avidin (e.g. phycoerythrin) in a molar ratio of 4:1.Tetramers are then contacted with cytotoxic T lymphocytes such asperipheral blood or lymph nodes. The tetramers bind to cytotoxic Tlymphocytes which recognize the peptide antigen/MHC class I complex.Cells which are bound to the tetramers may be sorted byfluorescence-controlled cell sorting to isolate reactive cytotoxic Tlymphocytes. The isolated cytotoxic T lymphocytes may then be propagatedin vitro.

In a therapeutic method referred to as adoptive transfer (Greenberg, J.Immunol. 136(5):1917, 1986; Riddel et al., Science 257:238, 1992; Lynchet al., Eur. J. Immunol. 21:1403-1410, 1991; Kast et al., Cell59:603-614, 1989), cells presenting the desired complex (e.g. dendriticcells) are combined with cytotoxic T lymphocytes of the patient to betreated, resulting in a propagation of specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes.The propagated cytotoxic T lymphocytes are then administered to apatient having a cellular anomaly characterized by particular abnormalcells presenting the specific complex. The cytotoxic T lymphocytes thenlyse the abnormal cells, thereby achieving a desired therapeutic effect.

Often, of the T cell repertoire of a patient, only T cells with lowaffinity for a specific complex of this kind can be propagated, sincethose with high affinity have been extinguished due to development oftolerance. An alternative here may be a transfer of the T cell receptoritself. For this too, cells presenting the desired complex (e.g.dendritic cells) are combined with cytotoxic T lymphocytes of healthyindividuals. This results in propagation of specific cytotoxic Tlymphocytes with high affinity if the donor had no previous contact withthe specific complex. The high affinity T cell receptor of thesepropagated specific T lymphocytes is cloned and can be transduced viagene transfer, for example using retroviral vectors, into T cells ofother patients, as desired. Adoptive transfer is then carried out usingthese genetically altered T lymphocytes (Stanislawski et al., Nat.Immunol. 2:962-70, 2001; Kessels et al., Nat. Immunol. 2:957-61, 2001).

The therapeutic aspects above start out from the fact that at least someof the abnormal cells of the patient present a complex of atumor-associated antigen and an HLA molecule. Such cells may beidentified in a manner known per se. As soon as cells presenting thecomplex have been identified, they may be combined with a sample fromthe patient, which contains cytotoxic T lymphocytes. If the cytotoxic Tlymphocytes lyse the cells presenting the complex, it can be assumedthat a tumor-associated antigen is presented.

Adoptive transfer is not the only form of therapy which can be appliedaccording to the invention. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes may also begenerated in vivo in a manner known per se. One method usesnonproliferative cells expressing the complex. The cells used here willbe those which usually express the complex, such as irradiated tumorcells or cells transfected with one or both genes necessary forpresentation of the complex (i.e. the antigenic peptide and thepresenting HLA molecule). Various cell types may be used. Furthermore,it is possible to use vectors which carry one or both of the genes ofinterest. Particular preference is given to viral or bacterial vectors.For example, nucleic acids coding for a tumor-associated antigen or fora part thereof may be functionally linked to promoter and enhancersequences which control expression of said tumor-associated antigen or afragment thereof in particular tissues or cell types. The nucleic acidmay be incorporated into an expression vector. Expression vectors may benonmodified extrachromosomal nucleic acids, plasmids or viral genomesinto which exogenous nucleic acids may be inserted. Nucleic acids codingfor a tumor-associated antigen may also be inserted into a retroviralgenome, thereby enabling the nucleic acid to be integrated into thegenome of the target tissue or target cell. In these systems, amicroorganism such as vaccinia virus, pox virus, Herpes simplex virus,retrovirus or adenovirus carries the gene of interest and de facto“infects” host cells. Another preferred form is the introduction of thetumor-associated antigen in the form of recombinant RNA which may beintroduced into cells by liposomal transfer or by electroporation, forexample. The resulting cells present the complex of interest and arerecognized by autologous cytotoxic T lymphocytes which then propagate.

A similar effect can be achieved by combining the tumor-associatedantigen or a fragment thereof with an adjuvant in order to makeincorporation into antigen-presenting cells in vivo possible. Thetumor-associated antigen or a fragment thereof may be represented asprotein, as DNA (e.g. within a vector) or as RNA. The tumor-associatedantigen is processed to produce a peptide partner for the HLA molecule,while a fragment thereof may be presented without the need for furtherprocessing. The latter is the case in particular, if these can bind toHLA molecules. Preference is given to administration forms in which thecomplete antigen is processed in vivo by a dendritic cell, since thismay also produce T helper cell responses which are needed for aneffective immune response (Ossendorp et al., Immunol Lett. 74:75-9,2000; Ossendorp et al., J. Exp. Med. 187:693-702, 1998). In general, itis possible to administer an effective amount of the tumor-associatedantigen to a patient by intradermal injection, for example. However,injection may also be carried out intranodally into a lymph node (Maloyet al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 98:3299-303, 2001). It may also becarried out in combination with reagents which facilitate uptake intodendritic cells. Preferred tumor-associated antigens comprise thosewhich react with allogenic cancer antisera or with T cells of manycancer patients. Of particular interest, however, are those againstwhich no spontaneous immune responses preexist. Evidently, it ispossible to induce against these immune responses which can lyse tumors(Keogh et al., J. Immunol. 167:787-96, 2001; Appella et al., Biomed PeptProteins Nucleic Acids 1:177-84, 1995; Wentworth et al., Mol. Immunol.32:603-12, 1995).

The pharmaceutical compositions described according to the invention mayalso be used as vaccines for immunization. According to the invention,the terms “immunization” or “vaccination” mean an increase in oractivation of an immune response to an antigen. It is possible to useanimal models for testing an immunizing effect on cancer by using atumor-associated antigen or a nucleic acid coding therefor. For example,human cancer cells may be introduced into a mouse to generate a tumor,and one or more nucleic acids coding for tumor-associated antigens maybe administered. The effect on the cancer cells (for example reductionin tumor size) may be measured as a measure for the effectiveness of animmunization by the nucleic acid.

As part of the composition for an immunization, one or moretumor-associated antigens or stimulating fragments thereof areadministered together with one or more adjuvants for inducing an immuneresponse or for increasing an immune response. An adjuvant is asubstance which is incorporated into the antigen or administeredtogether with the latter and which enhances the immune response.Adjuvants may enhance the immune response by providing an antigenreservoir (extracellularly or in macrophages), activating macrophagesand stimulating particular lymphocytes. Adjuvants are known and comprisein a nonlimiting way monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL, SmithKline Beecham),saponin such as QS21 (SmithKline Beecham), DQS21 (SmithKline Beecham; WO96/33739), QS7, QS17, QS18 and QS-L1 (So et al., Mol. Cells. 7:178-186,1997), incomplete Freund's adjuvant, complete Freund's adjuvant, vitaminE, montanide, alum, CpG oligonucleotides (cf. Krieg et al., Nature374:546-9, 1995) and various water-in-oil emulsions prepared frombiologically degradable oils such as squalene and/or tocopherol.Preferably, the peptides are administered in a mixture with DQS21/MPL.The ratio of DQS21 to MPL is typically about 1:10 to 10:1, preferablyabout 1:5 to 5:1 and in particular about 1:1. For administration tohumans, a vaccine formulation typically contains DQS21 and MPL in arange from about 1 μg to about 100 μg.

Other substances which stimulate an immune response of the patient mayalso be administered. It is possible, for example, to use cytokines in avaccination, owing to their regulatory properties on lymphocytes. Suchcytokines comprise, for example, interleukin-12 (IL-12) which was shownto increase the protective actions of vaccines (cf. Science268:1432-1434, 1995), GM-CSF and IL-18.

There are a number of compounds which enhance an immune response andwhich therefore may be used in a vaccination. Said compounds comprisecostimulating molecules provided in the form of proteins or nucleicacids. Examples of such costimulating molecules are B7-1 and B7-2 (CD80and CD86, respectively) which are expressed on dendritic cells (DC) andinteract with the CD28 molecule expressed on the T cells. Thisinteraction provides a costimulation (signal 2) for anantigen/MHC/TCR-stimulated (signal 1) T cell, thereby enhancingpropagation of said T cell and the effector function. B7 also interactswith CTLA4 (CD152) on T cells, and studies involving CTLA4 and B7ligands demonstrate that B7-CTLA4 interaction can enhance antitumorimmunity and CTL propagation (Zheng, P. et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.USA 95(11):6284-6289 (1998)).

B7 is typically not expressed on tumor cells so that these are noeffective antigen-presenting cells (APCs) for T cells. Induction of B7expression would enable tumor cells to stimulate more effectivelypropagation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and an effector function.Costimulation by a combination of B7/IL-6/IL-12 revealed induction ofIFN-gamma and Th1-cytokine profile in a T cell population, resulting infurther enhanced T cell activity (Gajewski et al., J. Immunol.154:5637-5648 (1995)).

A complete activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and a complete effectorfunction require an involvement of T helper cells via interactionbetween the CD40 ligand on said T helper cells and the CD40 moleculeexpressed by dendritic cells (Ridge et al., Nature 393:474 (1998),Bennett et al., Nature 393:478 (1998), Schönberger et al., Nature393:480 (1998)). The mechanism of this costimulating signal probablyrelates to the increase in B7 production and associated IL-6/IL-12production by said dendritic cells (antigen-presenting cells).CD40-CD40L interaction thus complements the interaction of signal 1(antigen/MHC-TCR) and signal 2 (B7-CD28).

The use of anti-CD40 antibodies for stimulating dendritic cells would beexpected to directly enhance a response to tumor antigens which areusually outside the range of an inflammatory response or which arepresented by nonprofessional antigen-presenting cells (tumor cells). Inthese situations, T helper and B7-costimulating signals are notprovided. This mechanism could be used in connection with therapiesbased on antigen-pulsed dendritic cells or in situations in which Thelper epitopes have not been defined in known TRA precursors.

The invention also provides for administration of nucleic acids,polypeptides or peptides. Polypeptides and peptides may be administeredin a manner known per se. In one embodiment, nucleic acids areadministered by ex vivo methods, i.e. by removing cells from a patient,genetic modification of said cells in order to incorporate atumor-associated antigen and reintroduction of the altered cells intothe patient. This generally comprises introducing a functional copy of agene into the cells of a patient in vitro and reintroducing thegenetically altered cells into the patient. The functional copy of thegene is under the functional control of regulatory elements which allowthe gene to be expressed in the genetically altered cells. Transfectionand transduction methods are known to the skilled worker. The inventionalso provides for administering nucleic acids in vivo by using vectorssuch as viruses and target-controlled liposomes.

In a preferred embodiment, a viral vector for administering a nucleicacid coding for a tumor-associated antigen is selected from the groupconsisting of adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, pox viruses,including vaccinia virus and attenuated pox viruses, Semliki Forestvirus, retroviruses, Sindbis virus and Ty virus-like particles.Particular preference is given to adenoviruses and retroviruses. Theretroviruses are typically replication-deficient (i.e. they areincapable of generating infectious particles).

Various methods may be used in order to introduce according to theinvention nucleic acids into cells in vitro or in vivo. Methods of thiskind comprise transfection of nucleic acid CaPO₄ precipitates,transfection of nucleic acids associated with DEAE, transfection orinfection with the above viruses carrying the nucleic acids of interest,liposome-mediated transfection, and the like. In particular embodiments,preference is given to directing the nucleic acid to particular cells.In such embodiments, a carrier used for administering a nucleic acid toa cell (e.g. a retrovirus or a liposome) may have a bound target controlmolecule. For example, a molecule such as an antibody specific for asurface membrane protein on the target cell or a ligand for a receptoron the target cell may be incorporated into or attached to the nucleicacid carrier. Preferred antibodies comprise antibodies which bindselectively a tumor-associated antigen. If administration of a nucleicacid via liposomes is desired, proteins binding to a surface membraneprotein associated with endocytosis may be incorporated into theliposome formulation in order to make target control and/or uptakepossible. Such proteins comprise capsid proteins or fragments thereofwhich are specific for a particular cell type, antibodies to proteinswhich are internalized, proteins addressing an intracellular site, andthe like.

The therapeutic compositions of the invention may be administered inpharmaceutically compatible preparations. Such preparations may usuallycontain pharmaceutically compatible concentrations of salts, buffersubstances, preservatives, carriers, supplementing immunity-enhancingsubstances such as adjuvants (e.g. CpG oligonucleotides) and cytokinesand, where appropriate, other therapeutically active compounds.

The therapeutically active compounds of the invention may beadministered via any conventional route, including by injection orinfusion. The administration may be carried out, for example, orally,intravenously, intraperitonealy, intramuscularly, subcutaneously ortransdermally. Preferably, antibodies are therapeutically administeredby way of a lung aerosol. Antisense nucleic acids are preferablyadministered by slow intravenous administration.

The compositions of the invention are administered in effective amounts.An “effective amount” refers to the amount which achieves a desiredreaction or a desired effect alone or together with further doses. Inthe case of treatment of a particular disease or of a particularcondition characterized by expression of one or more tumor-associatedantigens, the desired reaction relates to inhibition of the course ofthe disease. This comprises slowing down the progress of the diseaseand, in particular, interrupting the progress of the disease. Thedesired reaction in a treatment of a disease or of a condition may alsobe delay of the onset or a prevention of the onset of said disease orsaid condition.

An effective amount of a composition of the invention will depend on thecondition to be treated, the severeness of the disease, the individualparameters of the patient, including age, physiological condition, sizeand weight, the duration of treatment, the type of an accompanyingtherapy (if present), the specific route of administration and similarfactors.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are preferably sterileand contain an effective amount of the therapeutically active substanceto generate the desired reaction or the desired effect.

The doses administered of the compositions of the invention may dependon various parameters such as the type of administration, the conditionof the patient, the desired period of administration, etc. In the casethat a reaction in a patient is insufficient with an initial dose,higher doses (or effectively higher doses achieved by a different, morelocalized route of administration) may be used.

Generally, doses of the tumor-associated antigen of from 1 ng to 1 mg,preferably from 10 ng to 100 μg, are formulated and administered for atreatment or for generating or increasing an immune response. If theadministration of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) coding fortumor-associated antigens is desired, doses of from 1 ng to 0.1 mg areformulated and administered.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are generallyadministered in pharmaceutically compatible amounts and inpharmaceutically compatible compositions. The term “pharmaceuticallycompatible” refers to a nontoxic material which does not interact withthe action of the active component of the pharmaceutical composition.Preparations of this kind may usually contain salts, buffer substances,preservatives, carriers and, where appropriate, other therapeuticallyactive compounds. When used in medicine, the salts should bepharmaceutically compatible. However, salts which are notpharmaceutically compatible may used for preparing pharmaceuticallycompatible salts and are included in the invention. Pharmacologicallyand pharmaceutically compatible salts of this kind comprise in anonlimiting way those prepared from the following acids: hydrochloric,hydrobromic, sulfuric, nitric, phosphoric, maleic, acetic, salicylic,citric, formic, malonic, succinic acids, and the like. Pharmaceuticallycompatible salts may also be prepared as alkali metal salts or alkalineearth metal salts, such as sodium salts, potassium salts or calciumsalts.

A pharmaceutical composition of the invention may comprise apharmaceutically compatible carrier. According to the invention, theterm “pharmaceutically compatible carrier” refers to one or morecompatible solid or liquid fillers, diluents or encapsulatingsubstances, which are suitable for administration to humans. The term“carrier” refers to an organic or inorganic component, of a natural orsynthetic nature, in which the active component is combined in order tofacilitate application. The components of the pharmaceutical compositionof the invention are usually such that no interaction occurs whichsubstantially impairs the desired pharmaceutical efficacy.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may contain suitablebuffer substances such as acetic acid in a salt, citric acid in a salt,boric acid in a salt and phosphoric acid in a salt.

The pharmaceutical compositions may, where appropriate, also containsuitable preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride, chlorobutanol,paraben and thimerosal.

The pharmaceutical compositions are usually provided in a uniform dosageform and may be prepared in a manner known per se. Pharmaceuticalcompositions of the invention may be in the form of capsules, tablets,lozenges, solutions, suspensions, syrups, elixir or in the form of anemulsion, for example.

Compositions suitable for parenteral administration usually comprise asterile aqueous or nonaqueous preparation of the active compound, whichis preferably isotonic to the blood of the recipient. Examples ofcompatible carriers and solvents are Ringer solution and isotonic sodiumchloride solution. In addition, usually sterile, fixed oils are used assolution or suspension medium.

The present invention is described in detail by the figures and examplesbelow, which are used only for illustration purposes and are not meantto be limiting. Owing to the description and the examples, furtherembodiments which are likewise included in the invention are accessibleto the skilled worker.

FIGURES

FIG. 1: qPCR analysis of SEQ ID NO: 1 in melanomas

Quantitative expression analysis of SEQ ID NO: 1 in healthy skin tissue,in testis and in melanomas. Logarithmic representation of relativeexpression (-fold activation).

FIG. 2: Conventional RT-PCR analysis of SEQ ID NO: 1 in melanomas

RT-PCR expression analysis of SEQ ID NO: 1 in melanomas (n=14) andmelanoma cell lines (n=4) in comparison with healthy skin (n=4) and withtestis (n=3).

FIG. 3: qPCR analysis of SEQ ID NO: 5 in healthy tissue and in tumorsamples

Quantitative expression analysis of SEQ ID NO: 5 in normal tissues(left-hand side) and in various tumors (pools consisting of in each case3-5 individual samples, right-hand side). A Logarithmic representationof relative expression (-fold activation). B Image aftergel-electrophoretic fractionation of the amplified fragments.

FIG. 4: Detailed analysis of SEQ ID NO: 5-specific expression

A Quantitative expression analysis of SEQ ID NO: 5 in various ENT, renaland uterine tumors in comparison with expression in the correspondingnormal tissues. Logarithmic representation. B Image aftergel-electrophoretic fractionation of the amplified fragments.

FIG. 5: Northern blot analysis with a SEQ ID NO: 5-specific sequence

Hybridization of a DIG-labeled DNA probe, prepared by PCR amplificationusing the primers according to SEQ ID NO: 7 and 8, with testis-specificRNA. Lane 1: 2 μg of testis-specific RNA; lane 2: 1 μg oftestis-specific RNA.

FIG. 6: qPCR analysis of LOC203413

Quantitative expression analysis of LOC203413 in healthy tissues (left)and in tumor samples (pools consisting of in each case 3-5 individualsamples, right). A Logarithmic representation of expression (-foldactivation). B Result after gel-electrophoretic fractionation.

FIG. 7: Detailed analysis of LOC203413-specific expression in gastriccarcinomas

Quantitative expression analysis of LOC203413 in various gastric tumorsamples (n=10) in comparison with expression in healthy stomach (n=6). ALinear representation of relative expression. B Image aftergel-electrophoretic fractionation of the amplicons.

FIG. 8: qPCR analysis of LOC90625-specific expression

Quantitative expression analysis of LOC90625 in normal tissues (left)and tumor tissues (pools consisting of in each case 3-5 individualsamples; right). Linear representation of relative expression (-foldactivation).

FIG. 9: Detailed analysis of LOC90652-specific expression in varioustypes of tumors

Quantitative expression analysis of LOC90625 in samples of carcinomas ofthe esophagus (n=8), pancreas (n=5) and prostate (n=10) in comparisonwith the respective healthy tissue (n=¾); logarithmic representation ofrelative expression (-fold activation).

FIG. 10: qRT-PCR analysis of FAM26A in various types of tumors

Quantitative RT-PCR expression analysis of FAM26A in carcinomas of the Aovary, B stomach, esophagus, pancreas and liver, in comparison with therespective healthy tissue. Linear representation of relative expression(-fold activation).

FIG. 11: Characterization of FAM26A-specific antibodies Western blotanalysis of the antisera generated by immunization with a peptide of SEQID NO: 291 (A) and SEQ ID NO: 292 (B). Extracts of CHO cells wereanalyzed after transfection with in each case epitope-specific (A 1, 3;B 2, 4) or in each case epitope-unspecific (A 2, 4; B1, 3) plasmids. Thearrow indicates the specific fragments.

FIG. 12: Analysis of the FAM26A protein in tumors

Detection of FAM26A in cervical, ovarian and pancreatic tumors by meansof FAM26A-specific antibodies (SEQ ID NO: 292).

FIG. 13: Analysis of the FAM26A protein in cell lines

Analysis of the FAM26A protein in cell lines with the aid of SEQ ID NO:291-specific antibodies. A Western blot analysis with preimmune serum asspecificity control (lanes 1-5) and FAM26A-specific antibodies. BImmunofluorescence analysis of SW480 cells.

FIG. 14: Immunohistochemical detection of FAM26A in testis

Immunohistochemical analysis of the FAM26A protein in healthy testiswith the aid of SEQ ID NO: 292-specific antiserum in different dilutions(A-C).

FIG. 15: Immunohistochemical analysis of FAM26A in tumors

Immunohistochemical analysis of the FAM26A protein in carcinoma samples(40-fold magnification, 1:300 dilution) with the aid of the SEQ ID NO:292-specific antiserum. A Ovarian papillary cystadenocarcinoma. B Plateepithelial carcinoma of the cervix.

FIG. 16: qRT-PCR analysis of SEMA5B-specific expression

Quantitative expression analysis of SEMA5B in normal tissues (left) andtumor samples (pools consisting of in each case 3-5 individual samples;right). Linear representation of relative expression (-fold activation).

FIG. 17: Detailed analysis of SEMA5B-specific expression in renal cellcarcinoma samples

Quantitative expression analysis of SEMA5B in A renal cell carcinomasamples (n=12) in comparison with healthy renal tissue (N=3) and in Bmammary carcinomas (N=12) in comparison with healthy breast tissue(N=3); logarithmic representation of relative expression (-foldactivation).

FIG. 18: qRT-PCR analysis of GJB5-specific expression

Quantitative expression analysis of GJB5 in healthy tissue samples(left) and carcinomas (pools consisting of in each case 3-5 individualsamples; right). Linear representation of relative expression (-foldactivation).

FIG. 19: Detailed analysis of GJB5-specific expression in various typesof tumors

Quantitative expression analysis of GJB5 in A colon carcinoma samples(n=12), B esophageal tumors (n=8), C gastric carcinomas (n=10) and Dpancreatic tumors (n=5) in comparison with in each case healthy tissuesamples; logarithmic (A, C) or linear (B, D) representation of relativeexpression (-fold activation).

FIG. 20: qRT-PCR analysis of KLK5-specific expression

Quantitative expression analysis of KLK5 in healthy tissue samples(left) and tumors (pools consisting of in each case 3-5 individualsamples; right). Linear representation of relative expression (-foldactivation).

FIG. 21: Detailed analysis of KLK5-specific expression in various typesof tumors

Quantitative expression analysis of KLK5 in esophageal tumors (n=8), inENT carcinomas (n=5) and in cervical tumors (n=4) in comparison with therespective healthy tissue samples; logarithmic representation ofrelative expression (-fold activation).

FIG. 22: qRT-PCR analysis of LOC352765-specific expression

Quantitative expression analysis of LOC352765 in healthy tissue samples(left) and tumors (pools consisting of in each case 3-5 individualsamples; right). Logarithmic representation of relative expression(-fold activation).

FIG. 23: Detailed analysis of LOC352765-specific expression in varioustypes of tumors

Quantitative expression analysis of LOC352765 in colon carcinomas (n=8),in mammary carcinomas (n=5) and in ENT tumors (n=4) in comparison withrespective healthy tissue samples; logarithmic representation ofrelative expression (-fold activation).

FIG. 24: qRT-PCR analysis of SVCT1-specific expression

Quantitative expression analysis of SVCT1 in healthy tissue samples(left) and tumors (pools consisting of in each case 3-5 individualsamples; right). Logarithmic representation of relative expression(-fold activation).

FIG. 25: Detailed analysis of SVCT1-specific expression in various typesof tumors

Quantitative expression analysis of SVCT1 in A kidney carcinomas (n=8),B esophageal tumors (n=5) and ENT tumors (n=4) in comparison with ineach case healthy tissue samples; logarithmic representation of relativeexpression (-fold activation).

FIG. 26: qRT-PCR analysis of LOC199953-specific expression in renal cellcarcinomas and in ENT tumors

Quantitative expression analysis of LOC199953 in renal cell carcinomas(n=12) and ENT tumors (n=5) in comparison with healthy kidney- andskin-specific tissue samples; linear representation of relativeexpression (-fold activation).

FIG. 27: qRT-PCR analysis of TMEM31-specific expression

Quantitative expression analysis of TMEM31 in healthy tissue samples(left) and tumors (pools consisting of in each case 3-5 individualsamples; right). Logarithmic representation of relative expression(-fold activation).

FIG. 28: Detailed analysis of TMEM31-specific expression in varioustypes of tumors

Quantitative expression analysis of TMEM31 in A gastric carcinomas(n=10) and B mammary carcinomas (n=12) in comparison with in each casehealthy tissue samples; logarithmic representation of relativeexpression (-fold activation).

FIG. 29: qRT-PCR analysis of FLJ25132-specific expression in ovariantumors and in prostate carcinomas

Quantitative expression analysis of FLJ25132 in ovarian tumors (n=8) andin prostate carcinomas (n=10) in comparison with in each case healthytissue samples; linear representation of relative expression (-foldactivation).

FIG. 30: qRT-PCR analysis of SEQ ID NO: 57-specific expression

Quantitative expression analysis of SEQ ID NO: 57 in healthy tissuesamples (left) and in tumors (pools consisting of in each case 3-5individual samples; right). Linear representation of relative expression(-fold activation).

FIG. 31: Detailed analysis of SEQ ID NO: 57-specific expression invarious types of tumors

Quantitative expression analysis of SEQ ID NO: 57 in A esophageal tumors(n=8), B liver carcinomas (n=8), C kidney carcinomas and D cervical andENT tumors in comparison with in each case healthy tissue samples;linear (A, C, D) or logarithmic (B) representation of relativeexpression (-fold activation).

FIG. 32: qRT-PCR analysis of LOC119395-specific expression

Quantitative expression analysis of LOC119395 in healthy tissue samples(left) and in tumors (pools consisting of in each case 3-5 individualsamples; right). Linear representation of relative expression (-foldactivation).

FIG. 33: Detailed analysis of LOC119395-specific expression in varioustypes of tumors

Quantitative expression analysis of LOC119395 in A breast tumors (n=12),B esophageal carcinomas (n=8) and C colon and gastric carcinomas, incomparison with in each case healthy tissue samples; logarithmicrepresentation of relative expression (-fold activation).

FIG. 34: qRT-PCR analysis of LOC121838-specific expression

A Quantitative analysis of LOC121838-specific expression in healthytissue samples (left) and in tumors (pools consisting of in each case3-5 individual samples; right). Linear representation of relativeexpression (-fold activation). B Detailed analysis of LOC121838-specificRNA in ovarian tissues, logarithmic representation.

FIG. 35: qRT-PCR analysis of LOC221103-specific expression

Quantitative expression analysis of LOC221103-RNA in healthy tissuesamples (left) and in tumors (pools consisting of in each case 3-5individual samples; right). Linear representation of relative expression(-fold activation).

FIG. 36: Detailed qRT-PCR analysis of LOC221103-specific expression inliver samples

Quantitative expression analysis of LOC221103-RNA in liver tumors (n=8)and in a healthy liver sample. Linear representation of relativeexpression (-fold activation).

FIG. 37: qRT-PCR analysis of LOC338579-specific expression

Quantitative expression analysis of LOC338579-specific RNA in healthytissue samples (left) and in tumors (pools consisting of in each case3-5 individual samples; right). Logarithmic representation of relativeexpression (-fold activation).

FIG. 38: qRT-PCR analysis of LOC90342-specific expression

Quantitative expression analysis of LOC90342-specific RNA in healthytissue samples (left) and in tumors (pools consisting of in each case3-5 individual samples; right). Logarithmic representation of relativeexpression (-fold activation).

FIG. 39: qRT-PCR analysis of LRFN1-specific expression

Quantitative expression analysis of LRFN1-specific RNA in healthy tissuesamples (left) and in tumors (pools consisting of in each case 3-5individual samples; right). Logarithmic representation of relativeexpression (-fold activation).

FIG. 40: qRT-PCR analysis of LOC285916-specific expression

A Quantitative analysis of LOC285916-specific expression in healthytissue samples (left) and in tumors (pools consisting of in each case3-5 individual samples; right). Linear representation of relativeexpression (-fold activation). B Detailed analysis of LOC285916-specificRNA in kidney tissues and in ENT tumors, logarithmic representation.

FIG. 41: qRT-PCR analysis of MGC71744-specific expression

A Quantitative analysis of MGC71744-specific expression in healthytissue samples (left) and in tumors (pools consisting of in each case3-5 individual samples; right). Linear representation of relativeexpression (-fold activation). B Detailed analysis of MGC71744-specificRNA in various kidney tissues, logarithmic representation.

FIG. 42: qRT-PCR analysis of LOC342982-specific expression

Quantitative expression analysis of LOC342982-specific RNA in healthytissue samples (left) and in tumors (pools consisting of in each case3-5 individual samples; right). Logarithmic representation of relativeexpression (-fold activation).

FIG. 43: qRT-PCR analysis of LOC343169-specific expression

A Quantitative analysis of LOC343169-specific expression in healthytissue samples (left) and in tumors (pools consisting of in each case3-5 individual samples; right). Linear representation of relativeexpression (-fold activation). B Detailed analysis of LOC343169-specificRNA in various ovarian tissues, logarithmic representation.

FIG. 44: qRT-PCR analysis of LOC340204-specific expression

A Quantitative analysis of LOC340204-specific expression in healthytissue samples (left) and in tumors (pools consisting of in each case3-5 individual samples; right). Linear representation of relativeexpression (-fold activation). B Gel image of selected tissue samplesafter gel-electrophoretic fractionation.

FIG. 45: qRT-PCR analysis of LOC340067-specific expression

Quantitative expression analysis of LOC340067-specific RNA in healthytissue samples (left) and in tumors (pools consisting of in each case3-5 individual samples; right). Logarithmic representation of relativeexpression (-fold activation).

FIG. 46: qRT-PCR analysis of LOC342780-specific expression

Quantitative expression analysis of LOC342780-specific RNA in healthytissue samples (left) and in tumors (pools consisting of in each case3-5 individual samples; right). Logarithmic representation of relativeexpression (-fold activation).

FIG. 47: qRT-PCR analysis of LOC339511-specific expression

A Quantitative analysis of LOC339511-specific expression in healthytissue samples (left) and in tumors (pools consisting of in each case3-5 individual samples; right). Linear representation of relativeexpression (-fold activation). B Detailed analysis of LOC339511-specificRNA in various liver-specific tissues; linear representation.

FIG. 48: qRT-PCR analysis of C14orf37-specific expression

Quantitative expression analysis of C14orf37 in healthy tissue samples(left) and in tumors (pools consisting of in each case 3-5 individualsamples; right). Linear representation of relative expression (-foldactivation).

FIG. 49: qRT-PCR analysis of ATP1A4-specific expression

A Quantitative expression analysis of ATP1A4 in healthy tissue samplesand in tumors (pools consisting of in each case 3-5 individual samples).Logarithmic representation of relative expression (-fold activation). BDetailed analysis of ATP1A4-specific RNA in various breast-specifictissues; logarithmic representation.

EXAMPLES Materials and Methods

The terms “in silico” and “electronic” refer solely to the utilizationof methods based on databases, which may also be used to simulatelaboratory experimental processes.

Unless expressly defined otherwise, all other terms and expressions areused so as to be understood by the skilled worker. The techniques andmethods mentioned are carried out in a manner known per se and aredescribed, for example, in Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: ALaboratory Manual, 2nd edition (1989), Cold Spring Harbor LaboratoryPress, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. All methods including the use of kitsand reagents are carried out according to the manufacturers'information.

Example 1 Data Mining-Based Strategy for Identifying Tumor-AssociatedAntigens

According to the invention, public human protein and nucleic aciddatabases were screened with regard to cancer-specific antigensaccessible on the cell surface. The definition of the screening criteriarequired therefor, together with high throughput methods for analyzing,if possible, all proteins, formed the central component of thisstrategy.

The starting point consisted of the potential genes, predicted mainly bythe human genome project, which have been deposited as solely exemplaryprotein (XP) or mRNA (XM) entries in the RefSeq database (Pruitt et al.,Trends Genet. January; 16(1):44-47, 2000) of the National Center forBiotechnology Information (NCBI). In another approach, the validatedprotein entries (NP) and, respectively, the corresponding mRNAs (NM) ofthe same database were also analyzed in the same manner. Following thefundamental principle of (hypothetical) gene→mRNA→protein, the proteinswere first studied for the presence of transmembrane domains bycombining a plurality of prediction programs for protein analysis. Atotal of 19 544 entries of the human XP fraction of the RefSeq databasewere analyzed, with 2025 hypothetical proteins satisfying said screeningcriteria. The human NP fraction provided a total of 19 110 entries witha proportion of 4634 filtered proteins.

The corresponding mRNA of each of these 2025 and 4634 proteins,respectively, was then subjected to a homology search in the ESTdatabase (Boguski et al., Nat. Genet. 4(4):332-333, 1993) of the NCBIwith the aid of the BLAST algorithm (Altschul et al., Nucleic Acids Res.25:3389-3402, 1997). The screening criteria in this search were set tostringent. A total of 1270 hypothetic mRNAs scored at least one hit inthe EST database, with the number of hits exceeding 1000 in some cases.

Subsequently, the tissue-specific origin of the underlying cDNA libraryas well as the name of the library were determined for each of thesevalid hits. The tissues resulting therefrom were divided into 4different groups ranging from dispensable organs (group 3) to absolutelyessential organs (group 0). Another group, group 4, consisted of anysamples obtained from cancer tissue. The distribution of hits to thefive groups was recorded in a table which was sorted according to thebest ratio of the sum of groups 3 and 4 to the sum of groups 0-2. ThosemRNAs whose EST hits originated exclusively from cancer tissue reached atop position, followed by those which can additionally be found also intissues of dispensable organs of group 3.

Since the transcripts determined in the first approach and thecorresponding proteins are firstly hypothetic constructs, furtherscreening criteria were used with the intention to prove the realexistence of the mRNAs and consequently also of the proteins. For thispurpose, each mRNA was compared to the predicted gene locus. Only thosetranscripts which have at least one splicing process, i.e. which spreadover at least 2 exons, were used for more detailed analyses.

Sequential application of all the filters mentioned led to thetumor-associated antigens of the invention which can be consideredextracellularly accessible, owing to a predicted transmembrane domainand the topology related thereto. The expression profile derived fromthe EST data indicates, in all cases, cancer-specific expression whichmay at most extend only to dispensable organs.

Example 2 Strategy of Validating the Tumor-Associated AntigensIdentified by In Silico Analysis

In order to utilize the targets for immunotherapeutic purposes (antibodytherapy by means of monoclonal antibodies, vaccination, T-cellreceptor-mediated therapeutic approaches; cf. EP-B-0 879 282) or othertargeted approaches (small compounds, siRNA etc.) in cancer therapy aswell as for diagnostic problems, the validation of the targetsidentified according to the invention is of central importance. In thisconnection, validation is carried out by expression analysis at both RNAand protein levels.

1. Examination of RNA Expression

The identified tumor antigens are first validated with the aid of RNAwhich is obtained from various tissues or from tissue-specific celllines. Since the differential expression pattern of healthy tissue incomparison with tumor tissue is of decisive importance for thesubsequent therapeutic application, the target genes are preferablycharacterized with the aid of these tissue samples.

Total RNA is isolated from native tissue samples or from tumor celllines by standard methods of molecular biology. Said isolation may becarried out, for example, with the aid of the RNeasy Maxi kit (Qiagen,Cat. No. 75162) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Thisisolation method is based on the use of chaotropic reagent guanidiniumisothiocyanate. Alternatively, acidic phenol can be used for isolation(Chomczynski & Sacchi, Anal. Biochem. 162: 156-159, 1987). After thetissue has been worked up by means of guanidinium isothiocyanate, RNA isextracted with acidic phenol, subsequently precipitated with isopropanoland taken up in DEPC-treated water.

2-4 μg of the RNA isolated in this way are subsequently transcribed intocDNA, for example by means of Superscript II (Invitrogen) according tothe manufacturer's protocol. cDNA synthesis is primed with the aid ofrandom hexamers (e.g. Roche Diagnostics) according to standard protocolsof the relevant manufacturer. For quality control, the cDNAs areamplified over 30 cycles, using primers specific for the p53 gene whichis expressed only lowly. Only p53-positive cDNA samples will be used forthe subsequent reaction steps.

The targets are analyzed in detail by carrying out an expressionanalysis by means of PCR or quantitative PCR (qPCR) on the basis of acDNA archive which has been isolated from various normal and tumortissues and from tumor cell lines. For this purpose, 0.5 μl of cDNA ofthe above reaction mixture is amplified by a DNA polymerase (e.g. 1 U ofHotStarTaq DNA polymerase, Qiagen) according to the protocols of theparticular manufacturer (total volume of the reaction mixture: 25-50μl). Aside from said polymerase, the amplification mixture comprises 0.3mM dNTPs, reaction buffer (final concentration 1×, depending on themanufacturer of the DNA polymerase) and in each case 0.3 mMgene-specific forward and reverse primers.

The specific primers of the target gene are, as far as possible,selected in such a way that they are located in two different exons sothat genomic contaminations do not lead to false-positive results. In anon-quantitative end point PCR, the cDNA is typically incubated at 95°C. for 15 minutes in order to denature the DNA and to activate theHot-Start enzyme. Subsequently the DNA is amplified over 35 cycles (1min at 95° C., 1 min at the primer-specific hybridization temperature(approx. 55-65° C.), 1 min at 72° C. to elongate the amplicons).Subsequently, 10 μl of the PCR mixture are applied to agarose gels andfractionated in the electric field. The DNA is made visible in the gelsby staining with ethidium bromide and the PCR result is documented byway of a photograph.

As an alternative to conventional PCR, expression of a target gene mayalso be analyzed by quantitative real time PCR. Meanwhile variousanalytical systems are available for this analysis, of which the bestknown ones are the ABI PRISM sequence detection system (TaqMan, AppliedBiosystems), the iCycler (Biorad) and the Light cycler (RocheDiagnostics). As described above, a specific PCR mixture is subjected toa run in the real time instruments. By adding a DNA-intercalating dye(e.g. ethidium bromide, CybrGreen), the newly synthesized DNA is madevisible by specific light excitation (according to the dyemanufacturers' information). A multiplicity of points measured duringamplification enables the entire process to be monitored and the nucleicacid concentration of the target gene to be determined quantitatively.The PCR mixture is normalized by measuring a housekeeping gene (e.g. 18SRNA, β-actin). Alternative strategies via fluorescently labeled DNAprobes likewise allow quantitative determination of the target gene of aspecific tissue sample (see TaqMan applications from AppliedBiosystems).

2. Cloning

The complete target gene which is required for further characterizationof the tumor antigen is cloned according to common molecular-biologicalmethods (e.g. in “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley &Sons Ltd., Wiley InterScience). In order to clone the target gene or toanalyze its sequence, said gene is first amplified by a DNA polymerasehaving a proof reading function (e.g. pfu, Roche Diagnostics). Theamplicon is then ligated by standard methods into a cloning vector.Positive clones are identified by sequence analysis and subsequentlycharacterized with the aid of prediction programs and known algorithms.

3. Prediction of the Protein

Many of the genes found according to the invention (in particular thosefrom the RefSeq XM domain) are newly discovered genes which requirecloning of the full-length gene, determination of the open reading frameand deduction and analysis of the protein sequence. In order to clonethe full-length sequence, we used common protocols for the rapidamplification of cDNA ends and the screening of cDNA expressionlibraries with gene-specific probes (Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning:A Laboratory Manual, 2nd edition (1989), Cold Spring Harbor LaboratoryPress, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.).

After assembling the fragments found in this way, potential open readingframes (ORF) were predicted using common prediction programs. Since theposition of the PolyA tail and of polyadenylation motifs predeterminesthe orientation of the potential gene product, only the 3 reading framesof that particular orientation remain out of a possible 6 readingframes. The former often yield only one sufficiently large open readingframe which may code for a protein, while the other reading frames havetoo many stop codons and would not code for any realistic protein. Inthe case of alternative open reading frames, identification of theauthentic ORF is assisted by taking into account the Kozak criteria foroptimal transcription initiation and by analyzing the deduced proteinsequences which may arise. Said ORF is further verified by generatingimmune sera against proteins deduced from the potential ORFs andanalyzing said immune sera for recognition of a real protein in tissuesand cell lines.

4. Production of Antibodies

The tumor-associated antigens identified according to the invention arecharacterized, for example, by using antibodies. The invention furthercomprises the diagnostic or therapeutic use of antibodies. Antibodiesmay recognize proteins in the native and/or denatured state (Anderson etal., J. Immunol. 143: 1899-1904, 1989; Gardsvoll, J. Immunol. Methods234: 107-116, 2000; Kayyem et al., Eur. J. Biochem. 208: 1-8, 1992;Spiller et al., J. Immunol. Methods 224: 51-60, 1999).

Antisera comprising specific antibodies which specifically bind to thetarget protein may be prepared by various standard methods; cf., forexample, “Monoclonal Antibodies: A Practical Approach” by PhillipShepherd, Christopher Dean ISBN 0-19-963722-9, “Antibodies: A LaboratoryManual” by Ed Harlow, David Lane ISBN: 0879693142 and “Using Antibodies:A Laboratory Manual Portable Protocol NO” by Edward Harlow, David Lane,Ed Harlow ISBN: 0879695447. It is also possible here to generate affineand specific antibodies which recognize complex membrane proteins intheir native form (Azorsa et al., J. Immunol. Methods 229: 35-48, 1999;Anderson et al., J. Immunol. 143: 1899-1904, 1989; Gardsvoll, J.Immunol. Methods. 234: 107-116, 2000). This is especially important inthe preparation of antibodies which are intended to be usedtherapeutically but also for many diagnostic applications. For thispurpose, both the complete protein and extracellular partial sequencesmay be used for immunization.

Immunization and Production of Polyclonal Antibodies

A species (e.g. rabbits, mice) is immunized by a first injection of thedesired target protein. The immune response of the animal to theimmunogen can be enhanced by a second or third immunization within adefined period of time (approx. 2-4 weeks after the previousimmunization). Blood is taken from said animals and immune seraobtained, again after various defined time intervals (1st bleeding after4 weeks, then every 2-3 weeks, up to 5 takings). The immune sera takenin this way comprise polyclonal antibodies which may be used to detectand characterize the target protein in Western blotting, by flowcytometry, immunofluorescence or immunohistochemistry.

The animals are usually immunized by any of four well-establishedmethods, with other methods also in existence. The immunization may becarried out using peptides specific for the target protein, using thecomplete protein, using extracellular partial sequences of a proteinwhich can be identified experimentally or via prediction programs. Sincethe prediction programs do not always work perfectly, it is alsopossible to employ two domains separated from one another by atransmembrane domain. In this case, one of the two domains has to beextracellular, which may then be proved experimentally (see below).

-   -   (1) In the first case, peptides (length: 8-12 amino acids) are        synthesized by in vitro methods (possibly carried out by a        commercial service), and said peptides are used for        immunization. Normally 3 immunizations are carried out (e.g.        with a concentration of 5-100 μg/immunization). The immunization        may also be carried out by commercial service providers.    -   (2) Alternatively, immunization may be carried out using        recombinant proteins. For this purpose, the cloned DNA of the        target gene is cloned into an expression vector and the target        protein is synthesized, for example, cell-free in vitro, in        bacteria (e.g. E. coli), in yeast (e.g. S. pombe), in insect        cells or in mammalian cells, according to the conditions of the        particular manufacturer (e.g. Roche Diagnostics, Invitrogen,        Clontech, Qiagen). It is also possible to synthesize the target        protein with the aid of viral expression systems (e.g.        baculovirus, vacciniavirus, adenovirus). After it has been        synthesized in one of said systems, the target protein is        purified, normally by employing chromatographic methods. In this        context, it is also possible to use for immunization proteins        which have a molecular anchor as an aid for purification (e.g.        His tag, Qiagen; FLAG tag, Roche Diagnostics; GST fusion        proteins). A multiplicity of protocols can be found, for        example, in “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley        & Sons Ltd., Wiley InterScience. After the target protein has        been purified, an immunization is carried out as described        above.    -   (3) If a cell line is available which synthesizes the desired        protein endogenously, it is also possible to use this cell line        directly for preparing the specific antiserum. In this case,        immunization is carried out by 1-3 injections with in each case        approx. 1-5×10⁷ cells.    -   (4) The immunization may also be carried out by injecting DNA        (DNA immunization). For this purpose, the target gene is first        cloned into an expression vector so that the target sequence is        under the control of a strong eukaryotic promoter (e.g. CMV        promoter). Subsequently, DNA (e.g. 1-10 μg per injection) is        transferred as immunogen using a gene gun into capillary regions        with a strong blood flow in an organism (e.g. mouse, rabbit).        The transferred DNA is taken up by the animal's cells, the        target gene is expressed, and the animal finally develops an        immune response to the target protein (Jung et al., Mol. Cells        12: 41-49, 2001; Kasinrerk et al., Hybrid Hybridomics 21:        287-293, 2002).        Production of Monoclonal Antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies are traditionally produced with the aid of thehybridoma technology (technical details: see “Monoclonal Antibodies: APractical Approach” by Philip Shepherd, Christopher Dean ISBN0-19-963722-9; “Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual” by Ed Harlow, DavidLane ISBN: 0879693142, “Using Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual PortableProtocol NO” by Edward Harlow, David Lane, Ed Harlow ISBN: 0879695447).A new method which is also used is the “SLAM” technology. Here, B cellsare isolated from whole blood and the cells are made monoclonal.Subsequently the supernatant of the isolated B cell is analyzed for itsantibody specificity. In contrast to the hybridoma technology, thevariable region of the antibody gene is then amplified by single-cellPCR and cloned into a suitable vector. In this manner production ofmonoclonal antibodies is accelerated (de Wildt et al., J. Immunol.Methods 207:61-67, 1997).

5. Validation of the Targets by Protein-Chemical Methods UsingAntibodies

The antibodies which can be produced as described above can be used tomake a number of important statements about the target protein.Specifically the following analyses of validating the target protein areuseful:

Specificity of the Antibody

Assays based on cell culture with subsequent Western blotting are mostsuitable for demonstrating the fact that an antibody binds specificallyonly to the desired target protein (various variations are described,for example, in “Current Protocols in Proteinchemistry”, John Wiley &Sons Ltd., Wiley InterScience). For the demonstration, cells aretransfected with a cDNA for the target protein, which is under thecontrol of a strong eukaryotic promoter (e.g. cytomegalovirus promoter;CMV). A wide variety of methods (e.g. electroporation, liposome-basedtransfection, calcium phosphate precipitation) are well established fortransfecting cell lines with DNA (e.g. Lemoine et al., Methods Mol.Biol. 75: 441-7, 1997). As an alternative, it is also possible to usecell lines which express the target gene endogenously (detection viatarget gene-specific RT-PCR). As a control, in the ideal case,homologous genes are cotransfected in the experiment, in order to beable to demonstrate in the following Western blot the specificity of theanalyzed antibody.

In the subsequent Western blotting, cells from cell culture or tissuesamples which might contain the target protein are lysed in a 1%strength SDS solution, and the proteins are denatured in the process.The lysates are fractionated according to size by electrophoresis on8-15% strength denaturing polyacrylamide gels (contain 1% SDS) (SDSpolyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE). The proteins are thentransferred by one of a plurality of blotting methods (e.g. semi-dryelectroblot; Biorad) to a specific membrane (e.g. nitrocellulose,Schleicher & Schüll). The desired protein can be visualized on thismembrane. For this purpose, the membrane is first incubated with theantibody which recognizes the target protein (dilution approx.1:20-1:200, depending on the specificity of said antibody), for 60minutes. After a washing step, the membrane is incubated with a secondantibody which is coupled to a marker (e.g. enzymes such as peroxidaseor alkaline phosphatase) and which recognizes the first antibody. It isthen possible to make the target protein visible on the membrane in acolor or chemiluminescent reaction (e.g. ECL, Amersham Bioscience). Anantibody with a high specificity for the target protein should in theideal case only recognise the desired protein itself.

Localization of the Target Protein

Various methods are used to confirm the membrane localization,identified in the in silico approach, of the target protein. Animportant and well-established method using the antibodies describedabove is immunofluorescence (IF). For this purpose, cells of establishedcell lines which either synthesize the target protein (detection of theRNA by RT-PCR or of the protein by Western blotting) or else have beentransfected with plasmid DNA are utilized. A wide variety of methods(e.g. electroporation, liposome-based transfection, calcium phosphateprecipitation) are well established for transfection of cell lines withDNA (e.g. Lemoine et al., Methods Mol. Biol. 75: 441-7, 1997). Theplasmid transfected into the cells, in immunofluorescence, may encodethe unmodified protein or else couple different amino acid markers tothe target protein. The principle markers are, for example, thefluorescent green fluorescent protein (GFP) in various differentiallyfluorescent forms, short peptide sequences of 6-12 amino acids for whichhigh-affinity and specific antibodies are available, or the short aminoacid sequence Cys-Cys-X-X-Cys-Cys which can bind via its cysteinesspecific fluorescent substances (Invitrogen). Cells which synthesize thetarget protein are fixed, for example, with paraformaldehyde ormethanol. The cells may then, if required, be permeabilized byincubation with detergents (e.g. 0.2% Triton X-100). The cells are thenincubated with a primary antibody which is directed against the targetprotein or against one of the coupled markers. After a washing step, themixture is incubated with a second antibody coupled to a fluorescentmarker (e.g. fluorescein, Texas Red, Dako), which binds to the firstantibody. The cells labeled in this way are then overlaid with glyceroland analyzed with the aid of a fluorescence microscope according to themanufacturer's information. Specific fluorescence emissions are achievedin this case by specific excitation depending on the substancesemployed. The analysis usually permits reliable localization of thetarget protein, the antibody quality and the target protein beingconfirmed in double stainings with, in addition to the target protein,also the coupled amino acid markers or other marker proteins whoselocalization has already been described in the literature being stained.GFP and its derivatives represent a special case, being excitabledirectly and themselves fluorescing. The membrane permeability which maybe controlled through the use of detergents, in immunofluorescence,allows demonstration of whether an immunogenic epitope is located insideor outside the cell. The prediction of the selected proteins can thus besupported experimentally. An alternative possibility is to detectextracellular domains by means of flow cytometry. For this purpose,cells are fixed under non-permeabilizing conditions (e.g. with PBS/Naazide/2% FCS/5 mM EDTA) and analyzed in a flow cytometer in accordancewith the manufacturer's instructions. Only extracellular epitopes can berecognized by the antibody to be analyzed in this method. A differencefrom immunofluorescence is that it is possible to distinguish betweendead and living cells by using, for example, propidium iodide or Trypanblue, and thus avoid false-positive results.

Another important detection is by immunohistochemistry (IHC) on specifictissue samples. The aim of this method is to identify the localizationof a protein in a functionally intact tissue aggregate. IHC servesspecifically for (1) being able to estimate the amount of target proteinin tumor and normal tissues, (2) analyzing how many cells in tumor andhealthy tissues synthesize the target gene, and (3) defining the celltype in a tissue (tumor, healthy cells) in which the target protein isdetectable. Alternatively, the amounts of protein of a target gene maybe quantified by tissue immunofluorescence using a digital camera andsuitable software (e.g. Tillvision, Till-photonics, Germany). Thetechnology has frequently been published, and details of staining andmicroscopy can therefore be found, for example, in “DiagnosticImmunohistochemistry” by David J., MD Dabbs ISBN: 0443065667 or in“Microscopy, Immunohistochemistry, and Antigen Retrieval Methods ForLight and Electron Microscopy” ISBN: 0306467704. It should be notedthat, owing to the properties of antibodies, different protocols have tobe used (an example is described below) in order to obtain a meaningfulresult.

Normally, histologically defined tumor tissues and, as reference,comparable healthy tissues are employed in IHC. It is also possible touse as positive and negative controls cell lines in which the presenceof the target gene is known through RT-PCR analyses. A backgroundcontrol must always be included.

Formalin-fixed (another fixation method, for example with methanol, isalso possible) and paraffin-embedded tissue pieces with a thickness of 4μm are applied to a glass support and deparaffinated with xylene, forexample. The samples are washed with TBS-T and blocked in serum. This isfollowed by incubation with the first antibody (dilution: 1:2 to 1:2000)for 1-18 hours, with affinity-purified antibodies normally being used. Awashing step is followed by incubation with a second antibody which iscoupled to an alkaline phosphatase (alternative: for example peroxidase)and directed against the first antibody, for approx. 30-60 minutes. Thisis followed by a color reaction using said alkaline phosphatase (cf.,for example, Shi et al., J. Histochem. Cytochem. 39: 741-748, 1991; Shinet al., Lab. Invest. 64: 693-702, 1991). To demonstrate antibodyspecificity, the reaction can be blocked by previous addition of theimmunogen.

Analysis of Protein Modifications

Secondary protein modifications such as, for example, N- andO-glycosylations or myristilations may impair or even completely preventthe accessibility of immunogenic epitopes and thus call into questionthe efficacy of antibody therapies. Moreover, it has frequently beendemonstrated that the type and amount of secondary modifications differin normal and tumor tissues (e.g. Durand & Seta, 2000; Clin. Chem. 46:795-805; Hakomori, 1996; Cancer Res. 56: 5309-18). The analysis of thesemodifications is therefore essential to the therapeutic success of anantibody. Potential binding sites can be predicted by specificalgorithms.

Analysis of protein modifications usually takes place by Westernblotting (see above). Glycosylations which usually have a size ofseveral kDa, especially lead to a larger total mass of the targetprotein, which can be fractionated in SDS-PAGE. To detect specific O-and N-glycosidic bonds, protein lysates are incubated prior todenaturation by SDS with O- or N-glycosylases (in accordance with theirrespective manufacturer's instructions, e.g. PNgase, endoglycosidase F,endoglycosidase H, Roche Diagnostics). This is followed by Westernblotting as described above. Thus, if there is a reduction in the sizeof a target protein after incubation with a glycosidase, it is possibleto detect a specific glycosylation and, in this way, also analyze thetumor specificity of a modification.

Functional Analysis of the Target Gene

The function of the target molecule may be crucial for its therapeuticusefulness, so that functional analyses are an important component inthe characterization of therapeutically utilizable molecules. Thefunctional analysis may take place either in cells in cell cultureexperiments or else in vivo with the aid of animal models. This involveseither switching off the gene of the target molecule by mutation(knockout) or inserting the target sequence into the cell or theorganism (knockin). Thus it is possible to analyze functionalmodifications in a cellular context firstly by way of the loss offunction of the gene to be analyzed (loss of function). In the secondcase, modifications caused by addition of the analyzed gene can beanalyzed (gain of function).

a. Functional Analysis in Cells

Transfection. In order to analyze the gain of function, the gene of thetarget molecule must be transferred into the cell. For this purpose,cells which allow synthesis of the target molecule are transfected witha DNA. Normally, the gene of the target molecule here is under thecontrol of a strong eukaryotic promoter (e.g. cytomegalovirus promoter;CMV). A wide variety of methods (e.g. electroporation, liposome-basedtransfection, calcium phosphate precipitation) are well established fortransfecting cell lines with DNA (e.g. Lemoine et al., Methods Mol.Biol. 75: 441-7, 1997). The gene may be synthesized either transiently,without genomic integration, or else stably, with genomic integrationafter selection with neomycin, for example.

RNA interference (siRNA). An inhibition of expression of the targetgene, which may induce a complete loss of function of the targetmolecule in cells, may be generated by the RNA interference (siRNA)technology in cells (Hannon, G J. 2002. RNA interference. Nature 418:244-51; Czauderna et al. 2003. Nucl. Acid Res. 31: 670-82). For thispurpose, cells are transfected with short, double-stranded RNA moleculesof approx. 20-25 nucleotides in length, which are specific for thetarget molecule. An enzymic process then results in degradation of thespecific RNA of the target gene and thus in an inhibition of thefunction of the target protein and consequently enables the target geneto be analyzed.

Cell lines which have been modified by means of transfection or siRNAmay subsequently be analyzed in different ways. The most common examplesare listed below.

1. Proliferation and Cell Cycle Behavior

A multiplicity of methods for analyzing cell proliferation areestablished and are commercially supplied by various companies (e.g.Roche Diagnostics, Invitrogen; details of the assay methods aredescribed in the numerous application protocols). The number of cells incell culture experiments can be determined by simple counting or bycalorimetric assays which measure the metabolic activity of the cells(e.g. wst-1, Roche Diagnostics). Metabolic assay methods measure thenumber of cells in an experiment indirectly via enzymic markers. Cellproliferation may be measured directly by analyzing the rate of DNAsynthesis, for example by adding bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), with theintegrated BrdU being detected calorimetrically via specific antibodies.

2. Apoptosis and Cytotoxicity

A large number of assay systems for detecting cellular apoptosis andcytotoxicity are available. A decisive characteristic is the specific,enzyme-dependent fragmentation of genomic DNA, which is irreversible andresults in certain death of the cell. Methods for detecting thesespecific DNA fragments are commercially obtainable. An additional methodavailable is the TUNEL assay which can detect DNA single-strand breaksalso in tissue sections. Cytotoxicity is mainly detected via an alteredcell permeability which serves as marker of the vitality state of cells.This involves on the one hand the analysis of markers which cantypically be found intracellularly in the cell culture supernatant. Onthe other hand, it is also possible to analyze the absorbability of dyemarkers which are not absorbed by intact cells. The best-known examplesof dye markers are Trypan blue and propidium iodide, a commonintracellular marker is lactate dehydrogenase which can be detectedenzymatically in the supernatant. Different assay systems of variouscommercial suppliers (e.g. Roche Diagnostics, Invitrogen) are available.

3. Migration Assay

The ability of cells to migrate is analyzed in a specific migrationassay, preferably with the aid of a Boyden chamber (Corning Costar)(Cinamon G., Alon R. J. Immunol. Methods. 2003 February; 273(1-2):53-62;Stockton et al. 2001. Mol. Biol. Cell. 12: 1937-56). For this purpose,cells are cultured on a filter with a specific pore size. Cells whichcan migrate are capable of migrating through this filter into anotherculture vessel below. Subsequent microscopic analysis then permitsdetermination of a possibly altered migration behavior induced by thegain of function or loss of function of the target molecule.

b. Functional Analysis in Animal Models

A possible alternative of cell culture experiments for the analysis oftarget gene function are complicated in vivo experiments in animalmodels. Compared to the cell-based methods, these models have theadvantage of being able to detect faulty developments or diseases whichare detectable only in the context of the whole organism. A multiplicityof models for human disorders are available by now (Abate-Shen & Shen.2002. Trends in Genetics S1-5; Matsusue et al. 2003. J. Clin. Invest.111:737-47). Various-animal models such as, for example, yeast,nematodes or zebra fish have since been characterized intensively.However, models which are preferred over other species are mammaliananimal models such as, for example, mice (Mus musculus) because theyoffer the best possibility of reproducing the biological processes in ahuman context. For mice, on the one hand transgenic methods whichintegrate new genes into the mouse genome have been established inrecent years (gain of function; Jegstrup I. et al. 2003. Lab Anim. 2003January; 37(1):1-9). On the other hand, other methodical approachesswitch off genes in the mouse genome and thus induce a loss of functionof a desired gene (knockout models, loss of function; Zambrowicz B P &Sands A T. 2003. Nat. Rev. Drug Discov. 2003 January; 2(1):38-51; NiwaH. 2001. Cell Struct. Funct. 2001 June; 26(3):137-48); technical detailshave been published in large numbers.

After the mouse models have been generated, alterations induced by thetransgene or by the loss of function of a gene can be analyzed in thecontext of the whole organism (Balling R, 2001. Ann. Rev. Genomics Hum.Genet. 2:463-92). Thus it is possible to carry out, for example,behavior tests as well as to biochemically study established bloodparameters. Histological analyses, immunohistochemistry or electronmicroscopy enable alterations to be characterized at the cellular level.The specific expression pattern of a gene can be detected by in-situhybridization (Peters T. et al. 2003. Hum. Mol. Genet. 12:2109-20).

Example 3 Identification of SEQ ID NO: 1/2 as a Diagnostic andTherapeutic Cancer Target

SEQ ID NO: 1 (nucleic acid sequence) is encoded by a new gene onchromosome 6 (6q26-27) and represents the deduced protein sequence (SEQID NO: 2). An alternative open reading frame of this gene locus is SEQID NO: 267 which codes for the deduced protein sequence SEQ ID NO: 268.Both protein sequences show no homologies to previously known proteins.

According to the invention, the amount of gene-specific transcripts inhealthy tissue and in carcinoma samples was investigated afterestablishing a specific quantitative RT-PCR (primer pair SEQ ID NO: 3and 4). The transcript was not detected in any of the normal tissuesanalyzed. Surprisingly, we detected very specifically substantialamounts of said transcript in almost all melanoma samples studied,although the gene is not expressed in normal skin as tissue of origin(FIG. 1). The selectivity of this marker for melanomas was confirmed bya conventional RT-PCR (FIG. 2). Surprisingly, we amplified in theprocess two fragments which reflect gene-specific variants (probably SEQID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 267).

We thus demonstrate that this gene is an absolutely specific marker formelanoma cells and, due to its absence in each of the normal tissuesstudied, is suitable as biomarker for targeted therapeutic anddiagnostic approaches.

In particular it is possible to utilize according to the inventionextracellular portions of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 268 as target structure ofmonoclonal antibodies. This applies inter alia to the followingepitopes: amino acids 1-50 based on SEQ ID NO: 2, amino acids 1-12 basedon SEQ ID NO: 268, amino acids 70-88 based on SEQ ID NO: 2, amino acids33-129 based on SEQ ID NO: 268, and SEQ ID NO: 281.

According to the invention, other target-oriented approaches such asvaccines and therapies with small compounds, which have only this geneas target structure and thus do not affect any healthy cells, are alsotherapeutically conceivable. Said gene may also be utilizeddiagnostically owing to its selectivity for tumor cells.

Example 4 Identification of SEQ ID NO: 5/6 as Diagnostic and TherapeuticCancer Target

SEQ ID NO: 5 (nucleic acid sequence) is encoded by a new gene onchromosome 11 (11q12.1) and represents the deduced protein sequence (SEQID NO: 6). An alternative open reading frame of this gene locus is SEQID NO: 269 which codes for the deduced protein sequence SEQ ID NO: 270.Both protein sequences show no homologies to previously known proteins.

According to the invention, the amount of gene-specific transcript inhealthy tissue and in carcinoma samples (in each case pool of samples)was studied after establishing a gene-specific quantitative RT-PCR(primer pair SEQ ID NO: 7 and 8). We detected no specific RNA at all orelse only small amounts thereof in the healthy tissues we studied, withthe exception of testis (FIG. 3; A quantitative RT-PCR; B gel image).Consequently, there is a high probability of the locus expressing a germcell-specific gene product. However, the gene is activated in many tumorsamples, and specific RNA was detectable in substantial amounts (FIG.3). The highest prevalence and level of expression were found in renalcell tumors. But specific transcripts were also detectable in gastric,pancreatic, ENT and lung tumors (FIG. 4; A quantitative RT-PCR; B gelimage). Even repeated examinations of the corresponding normal tissueswere unable to detect gene-specific transcripts. In order toadditionally prove expression from this gene locus, a Northern blot wasadditionally carried out. For this purpose, a probe was prepared in aspecific PCR of primers SEQ ID NO: 7 and 8 with incorporation ofdigoxigenin-dUTP (Roche Diagnostics) according to the manufacturer'sinstructions. The probe was then hybridized with 2 μg (FIG. 5, lane 1)and 1 μg (FIG. 5, lane 2), respectively, of total RNA from testis tissueand the digoxigenin of said probe was subsequently detected in aspecific color reaction. An approx. 3.1 kB gene-specific fragment wasdetected in the experiment (FIG. 5) and thus additionally confirmedexpression of this locus. Said gene locus is thus a typicalrepresentative of the class of the “cancer/testis antigens” which areexpressed in normal tissues virtually exclusively in the germ cells ofthe testis. In tumors, however, cancer/testis antigens are frequentlyswitched on, although they are not expressed in the underlying somaticnormal tissue cells. Several members of this functionally andstructurally heterogeneous class are already tested for specificimmunotherapeutic approaches with cancers in phase I/II studies, owingto their attractive selective tissue distribution (e.g. Scanlan M J,Gure A O, Jungbluth A A, Old L J, Chen Y T. 2002. Immunol. Rev. 2002October; 188:22-32).

Antibodies may be produced by utilizing the peptides according to SEQ IDNO: 282 and 283. In particular, according to the invention it ispossible to utilize the extracellular domains of SEQ ID NO: 6 and SEQ IDNO: 270 as target structures of monoclonal antibodies.

Example 5 Identification of LOC203413 as Diagnostic and TherapeuticCancer Target

The gene or protein of the gene locus LOC203413 (nucleic acid sequence:SEQ ID NO: 9; amino acid sequence: SEQ ID NO: 10) is a gene on the Xchromosome (Xq24), which has not been characterized previously. Asidefrom a transmembrane domain, it has no further functional motifs and nohomologies to previously known proteins.

According to the invention, the amount of transcript in healthy tissueand in carcinoma samples (pool of samples, number indicated in thefigure) was studied after establishing an LOC203413-specificquantitative RT-PCR (primer pair SEQ ID NO: 11 and 12) (FIG. 6; A:quantitative evaluation, B: image after gel-electrophoreticfractionation). LOC203413-specific RNA cannot be detected in any of thehealthy tissues we studied, with the exception of testis. Consequently,it is highly probable that LOC203413 is a germ cell-specific geneproduct. As FIG. 6 reveals, LOC203413-specific transcripts weredetectable in gastric, pancreatic, esophageal, mammary, ovarian andprostate carcinomas, with high expression being observed in particularin gastric and mammary carcinomas. For a more detailed analysis, healthygastric samples and gastric carcinoma samples were additionallycharacterized in a quantitative RT-PCR (FIG. 7A). LOC203413 wasexpressed in 70% of the carcinomas, whereas no significant expressionwas detectable in any of the healthy gastric samples. The MKN45 cellline which is derived from a gastric carcinoma also expresses LOC203413.In addition, specific expression was detected in ⅔rds of pancreatictumors studied and in 40% of liver carcinomas (FIG. 7B).

LOC203413 is thus a typical representative of the class of cancer/testisantigens which are expressed in normal tissues exclusively in the germcells of the testis. In tumors, however, cancer/testis antigens arefrequently switched on, although they are not expressed in theunderlying somatic normal tissue cells. Several members of thisfunctionally and structurally heterogeneous class are already tested forspecific immunotherapeutic approaches with cancers in phase I/IIstudies, owing to their attractive selective tissue distribution (e.g.Scanlan M J, Gure A O, Jungbluth A A, Old L J, Chen Y T. 2002. Immunol.Rev. 2002 October; 188:22-32).

In particular it is possible to utilize according to the invention theextracellular domain of LOC203413 as target structure of monoclonalantibodies. Thus the amino acids 22-113 (SEQ ID NO: 284) are of interestas epitopes. Conserved N-glycosylation motifs are located in thesequence at amino acid positions 34 and 83, based on SEQ ID NO: 10,which motifs may be suitable in particular for producing tumor-specificantibodies. LOC203413-specific antibodies were produced by using thepeptides listed under SEQ ID NO: 285 and 286.

According to the invention, other target-oriented approaches such asvaccines and therapies with small compounds, which have only this geneas target structure and thus do not affect any healthy cells, are alsotherapeutically conceivable. Said gene may also be utilizeddiagnostically owing to its selectivity for tumor cells.

Example 6 Identification of LOC90625 as a Diagnostic and TherapeuticCancer Target

The gene LOC90625 (nucleic acid sequence: SEQ ID NO: 13) is a gene onchromosome 21 (21q22.3), which has not been characterized previously. Itencodes a protein (amino acid sequence: SEQ ID NO: 14) having atransmembrane domain but otherwise no homologies to previously knownproteins.

According to the invention, the amount of gene-specific transcripts inhealthy tissue and in carcinoma samples (pool of samples, the number isindicated in the figure) was investigated after establishing anLOC90625-specific quantitative RT-PCR (primer pair SEQ ID NO: 15 and 16)(FIG. 8). LOC90625 is expressed very selectively in healthy tissue, withspecific transcripts being detectable especially in testis. In all otherhealthy tissues analyzed LOC90625-specific expression was detectableonly at a low level, if at all (FIG. 8). Surprisingly, we detectedLOC90625-specific overexpression in some types of tumors. LOC90625 wasstrongly overexpressed in particular in prostate, esophageal andpancreatic carcinomas, in comparison to the respective healthy tissuesamples (FIGS. 8 and 9A).

LOC90625 is a selectively expressed antigen which is obviouslyincreasingly expressed in proliferating tissues. Thus a selectiveoverexpression in tumors can be observed which is therapeuticallyutilizable.

The extracellular domain of LOC90625 in particular can be utilizedaccording to the invention as target structure of monoclonal antibodies.Said structure may be, for example, 1-19 (SEQ ID NO: 287) or else theamino acids 40-160 (SEQ ID NO: 288). LOC203413-specific antibodies wereproduced by using the peptides according to SEQ ID NO: 289 and 290.

Example 7 Identification of the FAM26A Protein as a Diagnostic andTherapeutic Cancer Target

The FAM26A gene (SEQ ID NO: 17; NM_(—)182494) which is located onchromosome 10 (10q24) encodes the gene product of SEQ ID NO: 18(NP_(—)872300). FAM26A has several transmembrane domains, with anN-glycosylation motif being located at amino acid position 142. Thededuced protein sequence displays a distant homology to the PMP/claudinfamily.

According to the invention, the amount of gene-specific transcripts inhealthy tissue and in tumor samples was investigated after establishingan FAM26A-specific quantitative RT-PCR (primer pair SEQ ID NO: 19 and20) (FIG. 10). Surprisingly, we were able to detect overexpression ofFAM26A in various tumors. FAM26A was expressed at a distinctly higherlevel in particular in ovarian, gastric, esophageal, pancreatic andliver tumors, in comparison with the corresponding healthy tissue.According to the invention, selectively high expression of FAM26A invarious tumor tissues may be utilized for molecular diagnostic methodssuch as, for example, RT-PCR for detecting tumor cells in tissuebiopsies.

In order to further verify the expression data, FAM26A-specificantibodies were produced by immunization of animals. Polyclonalantibodies were produced by using the peptides listed under SEQ ID NO:291 and 292. The specificity of the antibodies was demonstrated byWestern blot analysis (FIG. 11A: SEQ ID NO: 291; B: SEQ ID NO: 292). Forthis purpose, COS cells were transfected with an FAM26 fragment-encodingplasmid construct. The Western blot showed a specific signal with bothantibodies, which was not detectable in the respective controls (FIG.11). We detected FAM26A also in various cervical, ovarian and pancreatictumors, using a SEQ ID NO: 292-specific antibody (FIG. 12), as well asin the cell lines SW480, EFO 27 and SNU 16 which were in each caseRT-PCR-positive, using a SEQ ID NO: 291-specific antibody (FIG. 13A).Here we found, in addition to an approx. 50 kDa specific band, also aweaker band at approx. 40 kDa. The latter corresponds to about theexpected size. The major fragment at 50 kDa represents apost-translationally modified protein. The endogenous FAM26A protein wasmoreover detected in SW480 cells by means of immunofluorescence using aSEQ ID NO: 292-specific antibody. The analysis reveals localization inthe plasma membrane (FIG. 13B). In order to analyze localization ofFAM26A in a tissue assemblage, healthy testis samples were characterizedimmunohistologically. In testis, the FAM26A protein was detectedspecifically in the membrane of spermatocytes, and due to the results, amembrane localization of FAM26A appears likely (FIG. 14). This was alsoconfirmed in tumor samples (FIG. 15).

The extracellular domains of FAM26A in particular may be utilizedaccording to the invention as target structures of monoclonalantibodies. These are, based on SEQ ID NO: 17, the amino acids 38-48(SEQ ID NO: 293) and the amino acids 129-181 (SEQ ID NO: 294).Alternatively, the C-terminal amino acids 199-334 (SEQ ID NO: 295) mayalso be preferred epitopes for producing antibodies for diagnostic ortherapeutic purposes. In addition, the N-glycosylation motif at position142 may be an interesting point of attack for therapeutic antibodies.

Example 8 Identification of SEMA5B as Diagnostic and Therapeutic CancerTarget

The gene semaphorin 5B (SEMA5B; SEQ ID NO: 21) which encodes the proteinof SEQ ID NO: 22 is located on chromosome 3 (3q21.1). SEMA5B is a type Itransmembrane protein and belongs to the family of semaphorins.

According to the invention, the amount of gene-specific transcripts inhealthy tissue and in carcinoma samples (pool of samples, the number isindicated in the figure) was investigated after establishing anSEMA5B-specific quantitative RT-PCR (primer pair SEQ ID NO: 23 and 24)(FIG. 16). We found that, in healthy tissue, SEMA5B is very selectivelyrestricted to testis and skin. In all other healthy tissues analyzedSEMA5B-specific expression was detectable at low level or not at all(FIG. 16). In contrast, we surprisingly found SEMA5B-specificoverexpression in some types of tumors, in particular in kidneycarcinomas and breast tumors (FIGS. 17A and B), in comparison to therespective healthy tissues.

Said selective overexpression in tumors can be utilized therapeutically.

The extracellular domain of SEMA5B (aa 20-1035; SEQ ID NO: 296) inparticular may be utilized according to the invention as targetstructure of antibodies. SEMA5B is a type I transmembrane domain protein(TM aa 1035-1057) whose C terminus is located inside the cell (aa1058-1151). SEMA5B-specific antibodies were produced by using thepeptides according to SEQ ID NO: 297 and 298.

Example 9 Identification of GJB5 as a Diagnostic and Therapeutic CancerTarget

The protein GBJ5 (nucleic acid sequence: SEQ ID NO: 25; amino acidsequence: SEQ ID NO: 26) is a member of the connexin family. The geneconsists of two exons and is located on chromosome 1 (1p35.1). Thededuced amino acid sequence codes for a protein of 273 amino acids.Connexins have an important function in cell-cell contacts via “gapjunctions” which are used for exchanging small cytoplasmic molecules,ions and secondary transmitters and thus enable individual cells tocommunicate with each other. Gap junctions consist of several connexinsubunits which form a membrane channel. 11 different members of theconnexins have been described to date, all of which are located in agene cluster on chromosome 1 (Richard, G.; Nature Genet. 20: 366-369,1998). GBJ5 has four transmembrane domains, with the N and C termini ofthe protein being located inside the cell.

According to the invention, the amount of gene-specific transcripts inhealthy tissue and in carcinoma samples was investigated (pool ofsamples, the number is indicated in the figure) after establishing aGBJ5-specific quantitative RT-PCR (primer pair SEQ ID NO: 27, 28). Ourstudies reveal differential distribution of expression in normaltissues. We found GBJ5 transcripts to be expressed virtually exclusivelyin the esophagus and in the skin, with transcription being very weak ornot detectable in all other tissues analyzed (FIG. 18). Very strongtumor-specific overexpression was observed in esophageal, colon, gastricand pancreatic carcinomas (FIG. 18). This was confirmed by analyzingindividual samples of the four carcinomas (FIG. 19 A-D). In addition,the GBJ5-specific transcript can clearly be detected in the establishedcell lines LoVo, MKN45 and NCI-N87 (FIG. 19 A-D).

The extracellular domains of GBJ5 in particular may be utilizedaccording to the invention as target structure of therapeuticantibodies. Based on SEQ ID NO: 26, the amino acids 41-75 (SEQ ID NO:299) and the region between amino acids 150 and 187 (SEQ ID NO: 300) arelocated extracellularly. GBJ5-specific antibodies were produced by usingthe peptides according to SEQ ID NO: 301 and 302.

Example 10 Identification of KLK5 as a Diagnostic and Therapeutic CancerTarget

The gene KLK5 (SEQ ID NO: 29) and its translation product (SEQ ID NO:30) is a member of the kallikrein family, a group of serine proteaseswith very different physiological functions. The gene is located onchromosome 19 (19q13.3-13.4) and codes for a serine protease. KLK5 issynthesized as pro form and is activated by proteolysis in the stratumcorneum (Brattsand, M et al; J. Biol. Chem. 274: 1999). The activeprotease (aa 67-293) is secreted and is involved in the process ofdesquamation. The propeptide (aa 30-67) remains bound to the cellsurface via the transmembrane domain (aa 1-29) (Ekholm, E et al; JourInvestigative Dermatol, 114; 2000).

According to the invention the distribution of KLK5-specific transcriptsin healthy tissue and in carcinoma samples was investigated afterestablishing a KLK5-specific quantitative RT-PCR (primer pair SEQ ID NO:31, 32) (FIG. 20). In most normal tissues expression of KLK5 is at avery low to non-existent level, with moderate expression of KLK5 beingfound only in testis, esophagus, skin and prostate. We detectedsignificant overexpression of KLK5 in esophageal carcinomas, cervicaland in ENT tumors, in comparison with the corresponding normal tissuesof origin (FIG. 20, 21). Distinctly weaker but detectable KLK5-specificexpression was moreover detected in some tumors of other tissues (e.g.in gastric and pancreatic carcinomas).

The extracellular domain of KLK5 in particular may be utilized accordingto the invention as target structure of therapeutic antibodies (SEQ IDNO: 303). The region of the propeptide (amino acids 30 to 67) isparticularly suitable for this. KLK5-specific antibodies were producedby using the peptide listed under SEQ ID NO: 304.

Example 11 Identification of LOC352765 as a Diagnostic and TherapeuticCancer Target

The LOC352765 gene locus is located on chromosome 9 (9q34.12). The gene(SEQ ID NO: 33) encodes the gene product of SEQ ID NO: 34. The LOC352765protein has a transmembrane domain at the N terminus. The hypotheticalprotein displays no homologies to previously known proteins.

According to the invention, the amount of gene-specific transcripts inhealthy tissue and in carcinoma samples (pool of samples) wasinvestigated after establishing an LOC352765-specific quantitativeRT-PCR (primer pair SEQ ID NO: 35 and 36) (FIG. 22). LOC352765 isexpressed very selectively in healthy tissue, and we found specifictranscripts to be detectable only in testis, skin and bladder. Incontrast, LOC352765-specific overexpression was detected in some typesof tumors. Particularly in breast tumors, expression was higher than inthe normal tissue with the highest level of expression. We also foundLOC352765 to be distinctly overexpressed in colon and ovarian carcinomasand in ENT tumors (FIGS. 22, 23).

Owing to its selective overexpression in tumors, LOC352765 can beutilized therapeutically. The extracellular domain of LOC352765 (aminoacids 44-211, SEQ ID NO: 34) in particular may be utilized according tothe invention as target structure of antibodies and other targeted formsof therapy. Specific antibodies were produced by using the peptidesaccording to SEQ ID NO: 305 and 306.

Example 12 Identification of SVCT1 as a Diagnostic and TherapeuticCancer Target

The gene SVCT1 (SEQ ID NO: 37) is located on chromosome 7 (7q33) andcodes for the gene product of SEQ ID NO: 38. The SVCT1 protein has fourtransmembrane domains and displays no homologies to previously knownproteins.

According to the invention, the amount of gene-specific transcripts inhealthy tissue and in carcinoma samples (pool of samples) wasinvestigated after establishing an SVCT1-specific quantitative RT-PCR(primer pair SEQ ID NO: 39 and 40) (FIG. 24). SVCT1 in healthy tissue isrestricted selectively to kidney, testis, thymus and mammary gland. Incontrast, SVCT1-specific overexpression was surprisingly detected insome types of tumors. SVCT1 is strongly overexpressed in particular incarcinomas of the kidney, esophagus and pancreas and in ENT tumors(FIGS. 24, 25), and that is not only in comparison with thecorresponding healthy tissue of origin but also with respect to thenormal tissue with the highest level of expression over all. SVCT1 canbe therapeutically utilized owing to its selective overexpression intumors. The extracellular domains of SVCT1 in particular may be utilizedaccording to the invention as target structures of antibodies and forother targeted forms of therapy. Specific antibodies were produced byusing the peptides according to SEQ ID NO: 307 and 308.

Example 13 Identification of LOC199953 as a Diagnostic and TherapeuticCancer Target

The gene or protein of the LOC199953 gene locus (nucleic acid sequence:SEQ ID NO: 41; amino acid sequence: SEQ ID NO: 42) is located onchromosome 1 (1q36.22). The protein has several transmembrane domains.Alternative open reading frames of this gene locus are SEQ ID NO: 271with its gene product SEQ ID NO: 272 and SEQ ID NO: 273 with thecorresponding gene product SEQ ID NO: 274. Other than that, thehypothetical protein displays no further homologies to previously knownprotein domains.

According to the invention, the amount of gene-specific transcripts inhealthy tissue and in carcinoma samples was investigated afterestablishing an LOC199953-specific quantitative RT-PCR (primer pair SEQID NO: 43 and 44). LOC199953 is selectively expressed in healthy tissuesand overexpressed in some tumors. In particular, it was possible toidentify overexpression in ENT and kidney carcinomas (FIG. 26) inapprox. 50% of the tumor samples, in comparison with normal tissues.

According to the invention, the extracellular domains of LOC199953 maybe utilized as target structure of antibodies.

Example 14 Identification of TMEM31 as a Diagnostic and TherapeuticCancer Target

The gene TMEM31 (SEQ ID NO: 45) of the LOC203562 gene locus is locatedon chromosome X (Xq22.2). The gene codes for the protein of SEQ ID NO:46. Said protein has two transmembrane domains and otherwise displays nohomologies to previously known proteins.

According to the invention, the amount of gene-specific transcripts inhealthy tissue and in carcinoma samples was investigated afterestablishing a TMEM31-specific quantitative RT-PCR (primer pair SEQ IDNO: 47 and 48). In healthy tissues, TMEM31 is very selectivelyrestricted especially to testis (FIG. 27). Surprisingly, we also foundexpression in some types of tumors, whereas no expression was detectablein the corresponding normal tissues. Said tumors are in particularcarcinomas of the kidney, colon, stomach, breast, liver and lung and ENTcarcinomas (FIGS. 27, 28).

TMEM31 is thus a typical representative of the class of cancer/testisantigens which are expressed in normal tissues exclusively in the germcells of the testis. In tumors, however, cancer/testis antigens arefrequently switched on, although they are not expressed in theunderlying somatic normal tissue cells. Several members of thisfunctionally and structurally heterogeneous class are already tested forspecific immunotherapeutic approaches with cancers in phase I/IIstudies, owing to their attractive selective tissue distribution (e.g.Scanlan M J, Gure A O, Jungbluth A A, Old L J, Chen Y T. 2002. Immunol.Rev. 2002 October; 188:22-32).

The extracellular TMEM31 domains may be utilized according to theinvention as target structure of antibodies.

Example 15 Identification of FLJ25132 as a Diagnostic and TherapeuticCancer Target

The FLJ25132 gene/protein (nucleic acid sequence: SEQ ID NO: 49; aminoacid sequence: SEQ ID NO: 50) is located on chromosome 17 (17q25.3).FLJ25132 has a transmembrane domain but otherwise does not display anyhomologies to previously known proteins.

According to the invention, the amount of gene-specific transcripts inhealthy tissue and in carcinoma samples was investigated afterestablishing an FLJ25132-specific quantitative RT-PCR (primer pair SEQID NO: 51 and 52). FLJ25132 is partially overexpressed in the carcinomasamples studied by us, in comparison to healthy tissue (FIG. 29).Distinct overexpression of FLJ25132 was detected in particular inovarian and in prostate carcinomas.

The extracellular FLJ25132 domains may be utilized according to theinvention as target structure of antibodies.

Example 16 Identification of LOC143724, LOC284263, LOC283435 andLOC349260 as Diagnostic and Therapeutic Cancer Targets

The gene loci (with the correspondingly encoded genes and geneproducts), LOC143724, LOC284263, LOC283435 and LOC349260, are combined,owing to their similar profiles.

The gene with SEQ ID NO: 53, which is present in the LOC143724 genelocus on chromosome 11 (11q13.1), encodes the gene product SEQ ID NO:54. SEQ ID NO: 275 with its gene product SEQ ID NO: 276 represents analternative open reading frame of this gene locus, which is either aseparate transcript or a splice variant of SEQ ID NO: 53. The primersaccording to SEQ ID NO: 55 and 56 were used for gene-specificamplification of said gene.

The gene with SEQ ID NO: 89, which is present in the LOC284263 genelocus on chromosome 18 (18q21.1), encodes the gene product with SEQ IDNO: 90. The primers according to SEQ ID NO: 91 and 92 were used forgene-specific amplification of said gene.

The gene with SEQ ID NO: 117, which is present in the LOC283435 genelocus on chromosome 12 (12q24.32), encodes the gene product with SEQ IDNO: 118. The primers according to SEQ ID NO: 119 and 120 were used forgene-specific amplification of said gene.

The gene with SEQ ID NO: 121, which is present in the LOC349260 genelocus on chromosome 9 (9q11.2), encodes the gene product with SEQ ID NO:122. The primers according to SEQ ID NO: 123 and 124 were used forgene-specific amplification of said gene.

All proteins have transmembrane domains and, in addition, do not displayany homologies to previously known proteins.

According to the invention, the amount of gene-specific transcripts inhealthy tissue and in carcinoma samples was investigated afterestablishing specific quantitative RT-PCR analyses. None of the fourgenes were detected in the healthy tissues which are investigated, withthe exception of testis. Consequently, there is a high probability ofsaid genes being germ cell-specific. However, surprisingly significantexpression is found in various tumor samples.

The four genes are thus typical representatives of the class ofcancer/testis antigens which are expressed in normal tissues exclusivelyin the germ cells of the testis. In tumors, however, cancer/testisantigens are frequently switched on, although they are not expressed inthe underlying somatic normal tissue cells. Several members of thisfunctionally and structurally heterogeneous class are already tested forspecific immunotherapeutic approaches with cancers in phase I/IIstudies, owing to their attractive selective tissue distribution (e.g.Scanlan M J, Gure A O, Jungbluth A A, Old L J, Chen Y T. 2002. Immunol.Rev. 2002 October; 188:22-32).

The extracellular domains of the four genes may be utilized according tothe invention as target structure of antibodies.

Example 17 Identification of the Sequence According to SEQ ID NO: 57 asa Diagnostic and Therapeutic Cancer Target

The sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 57 is derived from a gene onchromosome 1 (1p21.3) and encodes the protein sequence according to SEQID NO: 58. SEQ ID NO: 277 with its gene product SEQ ID NO: 278represents an alternative transcript of said gene locus. Thetransmembrane protein does not display any homologies to previouslyknown proteins.

According to the invention, the amount of gene-specific transcripts inhealthy tissue and in carcinoma samples was investigated afterestablishing a specific quantitative RT-PCR (primer pair SEQ ID NO: 59and 60). SEQ ID NO: 57 is selectively expressed in the healthy tissuesstudied by us (FIG. 30). Specific transcripts were detectable in nearlyall types of tumors analyzed and overexpressed in particular in liver,ENT and kidney tumors. This was confirmed in the analysis of individualtumor samples in comparison with healthy tissue samples (FIG. 31).

The extracellular domains of the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 58 maybe utilized according to the invention as target structure ofantibodies, in particular with amino acids 20-38 and 90-133 beinglocated extracellularly.

Example 18 Identification of LOC119395 as a Diagnostic and TherapeuticCancer Target

The gene with SEQ ID NO: 61, which is present in the LOC119395 genelocus on chromosome 17 (17q25.3), encodes a gene product with SEQ ID NO:62. The transmembrane protein displays no homologies to previously knownproteins.

According to the invention the amount of gene-specific transcripts inhealthy tissue and in carcinoma samples was investigated afterestablishing an LOC119395-specific quantitative RT-PCR (primer pair SEQID NO: 63 and 64) (FIG. 32). LOC119395 is very selectively expressed inthe healthy tissues studied by us and is detectable only in a fewtissues (FIG. 32). In contrast, LOC119395-specific transcripts weredetectable in nearly all types of tumors analyzed. In parts distinct,tumor-selective overexpression of LOC119395 was observed in particularin gastric, ovarian and prostate carcinomas. This was confirmed in theanalysis of individual tumor samples in comparison with healthy tissuesamples (FIG. 33). It was possible to detect overexpression of LOC119395in mammary carcinomas and esophageal tumors in comparison with therespective healthy tissue. Tumor-selective expression was identified incolon carcinomas and gastric carcinomas (FIG. 33).

The extracellular LOC119395 domain (amino acids 44-129) may be utilizedaccording to the invention as target structure of antibodies.

Example 19 Identification of LOC121838 as a Diagnostic and TherapeuticCancer Target

The gene which is located in the LOC121838 gene locus on chromosome 13(13q14.11) and has the transcript of SEQ ID NO: 65 encodes the proteinwith SEQ ID NO: 66. The transmembrane protein displays no homologies topreviously known proteins.

According to the invention, the amount of gene-specific transcripts inhealthy tissue and in carcinoma samples was investigated afterestablishing an LOC121838-specific quantitative RT-PCR (primer pair SEQID NO: 67 and 68) (FIG. 34A). LOC121838 is very selectively expressed inthe healthy tissues studied by us and is detectable only in a fewtissues (FIGS. 34A and B). In contrast, LOC121838-specific transcriptswere detectable in many types of tumors analyzed. We found distincttumor-selective overexpression of LOC121838 in particular in ovarian andesophageal carcinomas.

The extracellular LOC121838 domains may be utilized according to theinvention as target structure of antibodies.

Example 20 Identification of LOC221103 as a Diagnostic and TherapeuticCancer Target

The gene which is localized in the LOC221103 gene locus on chromosome 11(11q12.3) and has the transcript of SEQ ID NO: 69 encodes the proteinwith SEQ ID NO: 70. The transmembrane protein displays no homologies topreviously known proteins.

According to the invention, the amount of gene-specific transcripts inhealthy tissue and in carcinoma samples was investigated afterestablishing an LOC221103-specific quantitative RT-PCR (primer pair SEQID NO: 71 and 72). In the healthy tissues studied by us, LOC221103 isexpressed only in the liver and otherwise not detectable (FIG. 35).Surprisingly, LOC221103-specific transcripts are overexpressed in livercarcinomas (FIG. 36).

The extracellular LOC221103 domains may be utilized according to theinvention as target structure of antibodies.

Example 21 Identification of LOC338579 as a Diagnostic and TherapeuticCancer Target

The gene which is localized in the LOC338579 gene locus on chromosome 10(10q11.21) and has the transcript of SEQ ID NO: 73 encodes the proteinwith SEQ ID NO: 74. The transmembrane protein displays no homologies topreviously known proteins.

According to the invention, the amount of gene-specific transcripts inhealthy tissue and in carcinoma samples was investigated afterestablishing an LOC338579-specific quantitative RT-PCR (primer pair SEQID NO: 75 and 76). We found expression in healthy tissues only in testisand, at a lower level, in the liver and the thymus. Surprisingly, wefound LOC338579 overexpression in colon carcinomas and liver carcinomasin comparison with the healthy tissue (FIG. 37).

The extracellular LOC338579 domains may be utilized according to theinvention as target structure of antibodies.

Example 22 Identification of LOC90342 as a Diagnostic and TherapeuticCancer Target

The gene which is located in the LOC90342 gene locus on chromosome 2(2q11.2) and has the transcript of SEQ ID NO: 77 encodes the proteinwith SEQ ID NO: 78. The transmembrane protein includes a calcium-bindingmotif (CalB) which is conserved in protein kinase C and in variousphospholipases.

According to the invention, the amount of gene-specific transcripts inhealthy tissue and in carcinoma samples was investigated afterestablishing an LOC90342-specific quantitative RT-PCR (primer pair SEQID NO: 79 and 80) (FIG. 38). We found LOC90342 only in a small number ofhealthy tissues, most of which are of little relevance with regard totoxicity (FIG. 38). In contrast, we found LOC90342-specific transcriptsin a multiplicity of the types of tumors analyzed. In parts distinctlytumor-selective overexpression of LOC90342 was observed in particular ingastric, liver, pancreatic, prostate, ovarian and lung carcinomas.

The membrane protein has a single transmembrane domain (aa 707-726). Theextracellular LOC90342 domain may be utilized according to the inventionas target structure of therapeutic antibodies.

Example 23 Identification of LRFN1 as a Diagnostic and TherapeuticCancer Target

LRFN1 (SEQ ID NO: 81) is a gene which is localized on chromosome 19(19q13.2). The gene codes for the protein of SEQ ID NO: 82. Said proteinincludes a transmembrane domain and displays homologies to the MybDNA-binding domain and to a C2-type immunoglobulin domain.

According to the invention, the amount of gene-specific transcripts inhealthy tissue and in carcinoma samples was investigated afterestablishing an LRFN1-specific quantitative RT-PCR (primer pair SEQ IDNO: 83 and 84). LRFN1 is very weakly expressed in most of the normaltissues studied, except for activated PBMC and brain (FIG. 39). Incontrast, we found LRFN1-specific transcripts to be increasinglydetectable in some of the types of tumors analyzed. We found distincttumor-selective overexpression of LRFN1 in particular in gastric,pancreatic, esophageal and mammary carcinomas, in comparison with thecorresponding normal tissues.

The protein includes a transmembrane domain (aa 448-470). Theextracellular LFRN1 domains may be utilized according to the inventionas target structure of therapeutic antibodies.

Example 24 Identification of LOC285916 as a Diagnostic and TherapeuticCancer Target

The gene which is localized in the LOC285916 gene locus on chromosome 7(7p22.3) and has the transcript of SEQ ID NO: 85 encodes the proteinwith SEQ ID NO: 86. The transmembrane protein displays no homologies topreviously known proteins.

According to the invention, the amount of gene-specific transcripts inhealthy tissue and in carcinoma samples was investigated afterestablishing an LOC285916-specific quantitative RT-PCR (primer pair SEQID NO: 87 and 88). In the healthy tissues studied by us, LOC285916 isexpressed selectively in testis, with no or only little expression beingdetected by us in all other tissues studied (FIG. 40A). Surprisingly, wefound LOC285916-specific transcripts in all types of tumors tested.Distinct tumor-specific overexpression was detectable in particular inmammary, esophageal, renal, ENT and lung carcinomas (FIGS. 40A and B).

The extracellular LOC285916 domains (amino acids 42 to 93) may beutilized according to the invention as target structure of antibodies.

Example 25 Identification of MGC71744 as a Diagnostic and TherapeuticCancer Target

The MGC71744 gene with SEQ ID NO: 93 on chromosome 17 (17p13.2) encodesthe protein with SEQ ID NO: 94. The transmembrane protein displays nohomologies to previously known proteins.

According to the invention, the amount of gene-specific transcripts inhealthy tissue and in carcinoma samples (pool of samples) was studiedafter establishing an MGC71744-specific quantitative RT-PCR (primer pairSEQ ID NO: 95 and 96) (FIG. 41). MGC71744 is hardly expressed in healthytissue. We found small amounts of specific transcripts only in the lungand in the spleen. The level of MGC71744-specific expression in allother healthy tissues analyzed was low or not detectable at all (FIG.41A). In contrast, we surprisingly found MGC71744-specificoverexpression in some types of tumors, in particular in carcinomas ofthe kidney (FIGS. 41A & B), in comparison with healthy tissue.

The extracellular domain of MGC71744 (N terminus, aa 67-85) inparticular may be utilized according to the invention as targetstructure of antibodies.

Example 26 Identification of LOC342982 as a Diagnostic and TherapeuticCancer Target

The gene which is localized in the LOC342982 gene locus on chromosome 19(19p13.13) and has the transcript of SEQ ID NO: 97 encodes the proteinwith SEQ ID NO: 98. The transmembrane protein displays homologies to thecarbohydrate binding domain of C-type lectins.

According to the invention, the amount of gene-specific transcripts inhealthy tissue and in carcinoma samples (pool of samples) wasinvestigated after establishing an LOC342982-specific quantitativeRT-PCR (primer pair SEQ ID NO: 99 and 100). LOC342982-specific RNA isselectively expressed, with only a low level of expression or noexpression being detectable in many normal tissues analyzed (FIG. 42).In contrast, nearly all of the classes of tumors tested exhibitedoverexpression which was partly tumor-specific. Primarily pancreatic,kidney, lung and mammary carcinomas exhibit very strong expression ofLOC342982-specific RNA (FIG. 42).

The extracellular domain of LOC342982 (amino acids 178-339) inparticular may be utilized according to the invention as targetstructure of monoclonal antibodies.

Example 27 Identification of LOC343169/OR6F1 as a Diagnostic andTherapeutic Cancer Target

The gene OR6F1 which is localized in the LOC343169 gene locus onchromosome 1 (1q44) and has the transcript of SEQ ID NO: 101 encodes theprotein with SEQ ID NO: 102. OR6F1 has several transmembrane domains andbelongs to the family of olfactory receptors and thus to the largefamily of G protein-coupled receptors.

According to the invention, the amount of gene-specific transcripts inhealthy tissue and in carcinoma samples (pool of samples) wasinvestigated after establishing an LOC343169/OR6F1-specific quantitativeRT-PCR (primer pair SEQ ID NO: 103 and 104) (FIG. 43A). LOC343169/OR6F1is very selectively expressed in healthy tissue, with specifictranscripts being detectable especially in testis and spleen. The levelof LOC343169/OR6F1-specific expression was low or not detectable at allin all other healthy tissues analyzed (FIG. 43A). In contrast,LOC343169/OR6F1-specific overexpression was surprisingly detected issome types of tumors. Tumor-specific overexpression of LOC343169/OR6F1is seen in particular in mammary, ovarian, kidney, prostate, pancreaticand liver carcinomas (FIG. 43A). An analysis of individual samplesconfirmed overexpression in ovarian carcinomas. LOC343169/OR6F1 is aselectively expressed antigen which is obviously increasingly expressedin proliferating tissues. Thus selective overexpression in tumors can beobserved which is therapeutically utilizable. The extracellular domainsin particular may be utilized according to the invention as targetstructures of monoclonal antibodies.

Example 28 Identification of LOC340204 as a Diagnostic and TherapeuticCancer Target

The gene which is localized in the LOC340204 gene locus on chromosome 6(6p21.31) and has the transcript of SEQ ID NO: 105 encodes the proteinwith SEQ ID NO: 106. Said protein has a transmembrane domain. Moreoversaid protein displays strong homology to a “colipase” domain. A cofactorfunction for pancreatic lipase is attributed to colipase. SEQ ID NO: 279with its gene product SEQ ID NO: 280 represents an alternativetranscript of said gene locus, which could be both a separate transcriptand a splice variant of SEQ ID NO: 105.

According to the invention, the amount of gene-specific transcripts inhealthy tissue and in carcinoma samples was investigated afterestablishing an LOC340204-specific quantitative RT-PCR (primer pair SEQID NO: 107 and 108). LOC340204 is selectively expressed in healthytissues and strongly overexpressed in some tumors. Distinctoverexpression in tumor samples in comparison with various normaltissues was detected in particular in gastric, pancreatic, ovarian, lungand esophageal carcinomas (FIG. 44).

The extracellular LOC340204 domains may be utilized according to theinvention as target structure of monoclonal antibodies.

Example 29 Identification of LOC340067 as a Diagnostic and TherapeuticCancer Target

The gene which is localized in the LOC340067 gene locus on chromosome 5(5q22.3) and has the transcript of SEQ ID NO: 109 encodes the proteinwith SEQ ID NO: 110. The transmembrane protein displays no homologies toother protein domains.

According to the invention, the amount of gene-specific transcripts inhealthy tissue and in carcinoma samples was investigated afterestablishing a quantitative RT-PCR (primer pair SEQ ID NO: 111 and 112)specific for LOC340067. LOC340067 is selectively expressed in healthytissues and strongly overexpressed in some tumors (FIG. 45). Distinctoverexpression in tumor samples in comparison with various healthytissues was detected in particular in pancreatic, mammary, liver,ovarian, lung and kidney carcinomas.

The extracellular LOC340067 domain may be utilized according to theinvention as target structure of monoclonal antibodies.

Example 30 Identification of LOC342780 as a Diagnostic and TherapeuticCancer Target

The gene which is localized in the LOC342780 gene locus on chromosome 18(18q21.32) and has the transcript of SEQ ID NO: 309 encodes the proteinwith SEQ ID NO: 310. The transmembrane protein includes anacyltransferase domain which is present in many C. elegans proteinswhich have previously not been characterized in detail. According to theinvention, the amount of gene-specific transcripts in healthy tissue andin carcinoma samples (pool of samples, the number is indicated in thefigure) was investigated after establishing an LOC342780-specificquantitative RT-PCR (primer pair SEQ ID NO: 311 and 312). LOC342780 isvery selectively expressed in healthy tissue, with specific transcriptsbeing detectable especially in the prostate, stomach, testis, lung andthe mammary gland (FIG. 46). In contrast, LOC342780-specific expressionwas surprisingly detected in all types of tumors analyzed.Tumor-specific overexpression of LOC342780 is seen in particular inmammary, ovarian, kidney and liver carcinomas (FIG. 46).

LOC342780 is a selectively expressed antigen which is obviouslyincreasingly expressed in proliferating tissues. Thus selectiveoverexpression in tumors can be observed which is therapeuticallyutilizable. The extracellularly located amino acids 76-89, 316-345,399-493 and 650-665 (based on SEQ ID NO: 310) may be utilized accordingto the invention as target structures of monoclonal antibodies.

Example 31 Identification of LOC339511 as a Diagnostic and TherapeuticCancer Target

The sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 113 is derived from a gene which islocated on chromosome 1 (1q23.1). The gene encodes the protein of SEQ IDNO: 114. The transmembrane protein displays homologies to the group ofolfactory 7-transmembrane receptors.

According to the invention, the amount of gene-specific transcripts inhealthy tissue and in carcinoma samples was investigated afterestablishing a quantitative RT-PCR (primer pair SEQ ID NO: 115 and 116)specific for LOC339511. In healthy tissues, LOC339511 is selectivelyexpressed in the liver (FIG. 47A). In the carcinoma samples,LOC339511-specific transcripts were identified in liver tumors, withweak expression being moreover detectable in colon carcinomas, mammaryand lung carcinomas. When comparing liver-specific expression in tumorand in healthy tissue, increased expression was detected in some tumorsamples (FIG. 47B).

The extracellular domains of SEQ ID NO: 113 may be utilized according tothe invention as target structures of monoclonal antibodies. Inparticular, the extracellularly located amino acid residues 1-23,82-100, 167-175 and 226-236 are therefore particularly suitable forproducing monoclonal antibodies.

Example 32 Identification of C14orf37 as a Diagnostic and TherapeuticCancer Target

C14orf37 (SEQ ID NO: 125) is a gene which is localized on chromosome 14(14q22.3) and which encodes the gene product with SEQ ID NO: 126. Thetransmembrane protein displays no homologies to previously knownproteins.

According to the invention, the amount of gene-specific transcripts inhealthy tissue and in carcinoma samples was investigated afterestablishing a quantitative RT-PCR (primer pair SEQ ID NO: 127 and 128)specific for C14orf37. C14orf37 is expressed in various healthy tissues,and strongest in testis (FIG. 48). A distinct overexpression incomparison with various healthy tissues was detected in particular inkidney carcinomas.

The extracellular domain of SEQ ID NO: 126 may be utilized according tothe invention as target structure of monoclonal antibodies.

Example 33 Identification of ATP1A4 as a Diagnostic and TherapeuticCancer Target

The ATP1A4 gene (SEQ ID NO: 129) is located on chromosome 1 (1q21-23).The gene codes for a protein with SEQ ID NO: 130. ATP1A4 is an integraltransmembrane protein with eight transmembrane domains, which is locatedin the plasma membrane. ATP1A4 is part of a protein complex, with thecatalytical part of the sodium/potassium ATPase being present at the Nterminus (Woo et al., J. 2000. Biol. Chem. 275, 20693-99). ATP1A4displays strong homologies to numerous other representatives of thecation ATPase family.

According to the invention, the amount of gene-specific transcripts inhealthy tissue and in carcinoma samples was investigated afterestablishing an ATP1A4-specific quantitative RT-PCR (primer pair SEQ IDNO: 131 and 132). In healthy tissues, ATP1A4 is selectively expressedespecially in testis (FIG. 49). Strong overexpression of ATP1A4 wasdetected in some tumor samples in comparison with the respective healthytissue. Distinct overexpression in tumor samples in comparison withhealthy tissues was detected in particular in pancreatic, mammary, liverand kidney carcinomas (FIG. 49), with expression in pancreatic andmammary carcinomas being very high over all.

The extracellular domains of ATP1A4 may be utilized according to theinvention as target structure of monoclonal antibodies. The followingamino acid residues, based on SEQ ID NO: 130, are locatedextracellularly: amino acid residues 129-137, 321-329, 816-857 and977-990.

Example 34 Identification of SEQ ID NO: 133 to 264 as a Diagnostic andTherapeutic Cancer Target

The sequences according to SEQ ID NO: 133-266 are 33 genes (nucleic acidsequence, amino acid sequence), together with the respective PCR primersfor specific RT-PCR reactions. All proteins have one or moretransmembrane domains, but there is little information on homologies toprotein domains.

According to the invention, the amount of the particular gene-specifictranscripts in healthy tissue and in carcinoma samples was investigatedfor these genes in specific quantitative RT-PCR reactions. For all ofthe genes, overexpression which was partially strong in comparison withthe respective healthy tissue was detected in tumor samples.

All genes of this group are therapeutically and diagnosticallyutilizable. The extracellular domains may be utilized here according tothe invention as target structure of antibodies.

1. A method for diagnosing melanoma in a patient, the method comprisingdetecting the presence of a nucleic acid comprising the nucleic acid ofSEQ ID NO: 1 in a skin sample from the patient.